The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has honoured the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, with the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service.
The award, which recognizes Ogunyemi’s transformation of Nigeria’s free trade zones and his commitment to media relations, was presented by ACOE Chairman, Mr. Shola Akingboye, during a ceremony on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, Akingboye explained that the presentation was a postdated honour following Ogunyemi’s absence from the association’s official investiture ceremony in November last year. He praised the NEPZA boss for his integrity and forward-thinking management.
“You have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through dedication, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to public service,” Akingboye said, adding that Ogunyemi’s efforts have significantly contributed to national economic growth and investment opportunities.
While accepting the plaque, Ogunyemi revealed his personal ties to journalism, disclosing that he worked as a columnist and contributor for veteran journalist Sam Amuka’s publication for three years prior to his presidential appointment 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 stated.
The NEPZA Chief Executive explained that his background in the press informed his strategy to bridge the communication gap between the agency and the public when he assumed office three years ago. According to Ogunyemi, despite managing over 63 free trade zones, approximately 700 enterprises, and nearly 600 staff nationwide, the public remained largely unaware of the authority’s economic impact.
“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 said.
Ogunyemi commended the media for raising public awareness about the economic importance of free trade zones. He noted that while his demanding schedule usually compels him to decline awards, he chose to accept this recognition due to the credibility of the ACOE.
“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,” Ogunyemi concluded.