The head of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Dr Olufemi Ogunyemi, has revealed his past career in journalism while receiving a public service award from the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE).
Speaking at a presentation ceremony on Thursday, Dr. Ogunyemi disclosed that he worked as a columnist and contributor for a publication owned by veteran journalist Sam Amuka for approximately three years before his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
“Most people don’t know that before the president appointed me here, I was writing articles for Sam Amuka,” Dr. Ogunyemi said. “For three years, if you Google ‘The Pain Doctor’, I had a column there every week.”
The NEPZA chief executive explained that his background in the press had given him a clear understanding of the strategic role journalism plays in public communication and national development.
He noted that upon taking office three years ago, NEPZA oversaw more than 63 free trade zones, 700 active enterprises, and nearly 600 staff across Nigeria, yet public awareness of the agency’s economic impact remained low.
“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 added, praising journalists for subsequently raising the profile of Nigeria’s free trade zones.
The Award of Exemplary Leadership Qualities in Public Service was presented by the ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, who commended Dr. Ogunyemi’s management of the authority and his contributions to national economic growth.
Mr. Akingboye noted that the presentation was delayed following Dr Ogunyemi’s absence from the association’s formal investiture ceremony in November last year.
Dr Ogunyemi concluded by stating that while he routinely declines awards due to his schedule, he chose to accept this honour in person due to the credibility of the association and his ongoing respect for the media profession.
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