ACOE Celebrates Ogunyemi’s Leadership, Media Engagement in Advancing Nigeria’s Free Trade Zones
Oru Leonard
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has attributed his strong relationship with the media to his background as a columnist, describing journalism as a vital partner in national development and public sector communication.
Ogunyemi made the remarks while receiving the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service from the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) during a presentation ceremony held on Thursday.
Reflecting on his journey before joining public service, the NEPZA boss disclosed that he spent several years writing a weekly column for veteran journalist Sam Amuka, an experience he said shaped his appreciation for the role of the media.
“Many people are unaware that before my appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I was actively involved in journalism. For three years, I wrote a weekly column titled ‘The Pain Doctor’ for Sam Amuka’s publication,” Ogunyemi said.
According to him, his experience in the media industry helped him recognize the importance of effective communication in showcasing government achievements and fostering public understanding of national institutions.
He noted that when he assumed office at NEPZA three years ago, the agency was overseeing more than 63 free trade zones and approximately 700 enterprises, yet public awareness of its contributions to economic growth remained limited.
“Despite the enormous impact of the free trade zones on the economy, many Nigerians knew very little about what NEPZA was doing. One of our priorities was to strengthen engagement with the media and bring our activities closer to the public,” he stated.
Ogunyemi commended journalists and media organizations for supporting the agency’s efforts to promote investment opportunities within Nigeria’s free trade zones and increase public understanding of their role in economic development.
Presenting the award, ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, described Ogunyemi as a transformational leader whose commitment to excellence, transparency, and innovation has strengthened the performance and visibility of NEPZA.
He explained that the award was initially announced during the association’s investiture ceremony in November last year but was formally presented later due to Ogunyemi’s absence at the event.
Akingboye praised the NEPZA chief for driving reforms and expanding opportunities within Nigeria’s free trade zone ecosystem, noting that his leadership has contributed significantly to investment promotion, job creation, and economic growth.
“Your dedication, integrity, and forward-looking approach to public service have set a remarkable example of leadership.
Your achievements continue to inspire confidence in the capacity of public institutions to deliver meaningful impact,” he said.
In his response, Ogunyemi expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that although he rarely accepts awards because of his demanding schedule, he chose to receive the honour personally because of the association’s credibility and his respect for the journalism profession.
“This recognition means a lot to me. I value the work that journalists do, and I believe we must continue to work together in building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
