The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been honoured with the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service by the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s free trade zones and commitment to transparent public communication.
Speaking during the award presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Ogunyemi disclosed his long-standing relationship with the media profession, revealing that he worked as a columnist and contributor to veteran journalist Sam Amuka’s publication for about three years before his appointment as NEPZA chief executive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Most people don’t know that before the President appointed me here, I was writing articles for Sam Amuka. For three years, if you Google ‘The Pain Doctor’, I had a column there every week,” Ogunyemi said.
The NEPZA boss noted that his background in journalism gave him a deep appreciation of the strategic role of the media in promoting government institutions, informing citizens, and supporting national development.
According to him, when he assumed office three years ago, NEPZA was overseeing more than 63 free trade zones, about 700 enterprises, and nearly 600 staff members nationwide, yet public awareness of the agency’s contributions to economic growth remained limited.
“When I joined NEPZA three years ago, these zones were doing a lot of great work for the country, but the public did not know about it. I knew we needed to bring the media closer,” he stated.
Ogunyemi commended journalists and media organisations for helping to amplify awareness of NEPZA’s activities and the critical role of free trade zones in attracting investment, creating jobs, and boosting Nigeria’s economy.
Presenting the award, ACOE Chairman, Mr. Shola Akingboye, described Ogunyemi as a visionary leader whose dedication, integrity, and innovative approach to public service have distinguished him among public sector chief executives.
Akingboye explained that the award presentation was a post-investiture recognition following Ogunyemi’s absence during the association’s investiture ceremony held in November last year.
He said the NEPZA chief executive had demonstrated exceptional leadership through the effective management of the authority and sustained efforts to strengthen the free trade zone ecosystem, thereby contributing significantly to investment promotion, economic growth, and national development.
“You have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through dedication, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to public service,” Akingboye said.
Responding, Ogunyemi expressed appreciation for the honour, noting that although he often declines awards due to his demanding schedule, he made a deliberate decision to personally receive the recognition because of the association’s credibility and his respect for the media profession.
“I’m taking this very seriously, and that is why I’m here. I pray that we continue to work together to improve our country,” he said.
The award underscored the growing recognition of Ogunyemi’s efforts in repositioning NEPZA, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and promoting the role of free trade zones as key drivers of Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.
