NEPZA MD Ogunyemi Credits Journalism Background for Free Trade Zone Transformation, Receives ACOE Leadership Award By Raymond Enoch
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Olufemi Ogunyemi, has attributed the growing visibility and transformation of Nigeria’s free trade zones to stronger collaboration with the media, as he received the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service from the Association of Corporate Online Editors.
Speaking during the award presentation ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, Ogunyemi revealed his long-standing relationship with journalism, disclosing that he worked as a columnist for veteran journalist Sam Amuka before his appointment by Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, he authored a weekly column titled The Pain Doctor for about three years, an experience he said shaped his appreciation of the media’s role in nation-building and public communication.
“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 boss noted that upon assuming office three years ago, the agency supervised more than 63 free trade zones, about 700 enterprises, and nearly 600 staff nationwide, yet remained largely unknown to many Nigerians despite its significant contributions to economic growth.
He explained that one of his early priorities was to strengthen engagement with the media to increase public awareness of the agency’s activities and the strategic role of free trade zones in attracting investments, creating jobs, and driving industrial development.
“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 journalists and media organisations for helping to project the achievements of NEPZA and deepen public understanding of the economic opportunities within Nigeria’s free trade zones.
Presenting the award, ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, described Ogunyemi as a visionary leader whose commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation has positively impacted the free trade zone sector and national development.
Akingboye explained that the award presentation was a follow-up to the association’s investiture ceremony held in November last year, which Ogunyemi could not attend.
He said the NEPZA chief had distinguished himself through effective management of the authority and sustained efforts to expand investment opportunities, enhance economic growth, and strengthen the performance of free trade zones across the country.
“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 recognition, noting that although he rarely accepts awards due to his busy schedule, he 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 award highlights Ogunyemi’s leadership at NEPZA and underscores the growing partnership between the authority and the media in promoting investment, industrialisation, and economic development in Nigeria.
