ACOE Honours Ogunyemi for NEPZA Reforms, Strong Media Engagement

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, has been honoured by the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) for what the body described as his exemplary leadership in public service and contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s free trade zones.

The award was presented on Thursday during a ceremony attended by members of the association and NEPZA officials.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Ogunyemi reflected on his longstanding relationship with journalism, revealing that he worked as a columnist before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu to head the agency.

“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,” he said.

The NEPZA boss noted that his experience in the media helped shape his appreciation of journalism and its role in promoting transparency, public awareness and national development.

He explained that when he assumed office three years ago, NEPZA was overseeing more than 63 free trade zones, about 700 enterprises and nearly 600 members of staff nationwide, yet many Nigerians were largely unaware of the agency’s contributions to the economy.

According to him, one of the priorities of his administration was to improve public understanding of the strategic role of free trade zones through stronger engagement with the media.

“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,” Ogunyemi stated.

He commended journalists and media organisations for helping to project the activities of the authority and increase awareness of the economic opportunities within Nigeria’s free trade zones.

Presenting the award, ACOE Chairman, Mr. Shola Akingboye, praised Ogunyemi’s leadership style, describing him as a reform-driven administrator who has strengthened the operations of NEPZA and expanded the visibility of the agency.

“It is a great honour to present this Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service to our esteemed Chief Executive Officer,” Akingboye said.

He explained that the presentation was a delayed recognition following Ogunyemi’s absence at the association’s investiture ceremony held in November last year.

Akingboye said the NEPZA chief had distinguished himself through effective management, integrity and a commitment to policies that have enhanced investment opportunities and contributed to national economic development.

“You have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through dedication, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to public service,” he added.

Responding, Ogunyemi said he rarely accepts awards because of his busy schedule but made an exception because of the credibility of the association and his respect for the journalism 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 event underscored the growing relationship between NEPZA and the media, with both parties emphasizing the importance of strategic communication in advancing economic growth and national development.