NEPZA Boss Reveals Journalism Background as Editors Honour Him for Public Service
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NEPZA Boss Reveals Journalism Background as Editors Honour Him for Public Service
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, NEPZA, Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, has disclosed his long-standing relationship with journalism, revealing that he worked as a columnist before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Ogunyemi made the disclosure on Friday while receiving the Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service from the Association of Corporate Online Editors.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the NEPZA boss said he contributed articles for about three years to a publication founded by veteran journalist and publisher, Sam Amuka.
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“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.
He noted that his experience in the media gave him a deeper appreciation of journalism and strategic communication, particularly in promoting government institutions and advancing national development.
According to him, when he assumed office at NEPZA three years ago, the agency had more than 63 free trade zones, about 700 enterprises and nearly 600 employees across the country, yet many Nigerians were unaware of its contributions to the economy.
“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 increase public awareness of the agency’s activities and the role of free trade zones in driving economic growth.
Presenting the award, Chairman of the Association of Corporate Online Editors, Shola Akingboye, lauded Ogunyemi’s leadership style, integrity and commitment to public service.
“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 recognition was a postdated presentation following Ogunyemi’s absence from the association’s investiture ceremony held in November 2025.
Akingboye said the NEPZA chief had distinguished himself through effective management of the authority and sustained efforts toward the development of Nigeria’s free trade zones.
According to him, Ogunyemi’s leadership has contributed significantly to economic growth, investment promotion and national 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 demanding schedule but decided to personally receive the honour due to 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.
