The Chairman of the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Dr Hafsat Oduwole Balewa, has been inducted as a Fellow of the Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts at a ceremony held in Abuja on 25 October 2025.

The induction ceremony, attended by representatives from government, academia, civil society, and the private sector, recognised Dr Balewa for her contributions to community empowerment, economic development, and strategic negotiation.

The Institute of Negotiators, Community and Social Development Experts is a professional body dedicated to building capacity among individuals working in negotiation, community engagement, and sustainable development. Through its certification programmes, it connects members to global partnerships, grant opportunities, and practical tools for driving impactful change.

Dr Balewa, elegantly robed for the occasion, was presented with her Fellowship certificate during the event. In her acceptance remarks, she expressed gratitude to the Institute for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a renewed call to service.
“This Fellowship is not just an honour but a call to deepen our impact in negotiation, social innovation, and development practice,” she said. “It strengthens our resolve to keep building systems that empower communities and transform lives.”

Over the years, Dr Balewa has been involved in initiatives that promote sustainable growth through industrial development, strategic partnerships, and inclusive policymaking. Her work at the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone has focused on expanding investment opportunities while ensuring local communities benefit from economic activities around the industrial hub.

The event brought together a cross-section of professionals committed to promoting negotiation as a tool for conflict resolution and social advancement. Participants shared ideas on fostering collaboration across sectors to address development challenges and strengthen community resilience across Africa.

In her closing remarks, Dr Balewa reaffirmed her commitment to supporting inclusive and participatory models of development. She noted that platforms such as the Institute play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of professionals dedicated to social impact and ethical leadership.
Her induction, observers noted, reflects growing recognition of Nigerian professionals leading efforts to bridge gaps between policy, business, and community development.

Dr Balewa, a renowned trade and investment specialist, development enthusiast, project manager, and global entrepreneur, has spent over three decades in global investment promotion and trade exchange in oil and gas, real estate, manufacturing, and the fashion industry within and outside Nigeria.

A native of Ogun State, she chairs the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), which was established in 2008 and spans nearly 10,000 hectares, serving as a vital gateway for manufacturing, innovation, and international trade within West Africa.