By: Manoah Kikekon
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| David Opeyemi Oke |
LAGOS, NIGERIA – David Opeyemi Oke has been officially appointed as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of World Trade Center (WTC) Lagos.
The announcement, which was made public on Tuesday via his official social media channels, marks a significant leadership transition for the institution as it seeks to deepen international trade ties and foster sustainable economic growth.
Oke, a highly regarded development strategist and trade facilitator, brings nearly two decades of experience to the role. Known affectionately in professional circles as "DOOKE," his career has been defined by a commitment to policy innovation and African integration.
Before joining the Lagos team, he served as the Head of Trade Services at WTC Abuja and has held prominent leadership positions, including Director General of a leading chamber of commerce and Director General (Nigeria) of the Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade (GCPIT).
Addressing the weight of his new role, Oke emphasized that the appointment is a call to service for the nation. "This responsibility goes beyond personal achievement. It reflects a larger mission: repositioning Lagos and Nigeria as a credible, globally connected trade gateway at a defining moment for Africa," he stated.
He noted that Lagos, as Africa’s commercial nerve center, sits at a unique intersection of enterprise and capital that requires world-class institutional support to fully thrive.
Oke’s vision for WTC Lagos is deeply rooted in the concept of the "African Renaissance." He is a vocal advocate for local asset development and the democratization of opportunities for young Africans.
As the Convener of the Emerging African Leaders Summit, his appointment is expected to bridge the gap between high-level trade policy and youth-driven entrepreneurship.
"Lagos sits at the intersection of enterprise, logistics, capital, and ambition," Oke remarked. "Fully harnessing this position requires strong institutions ones that can convene stakeholders, connect markets, and facilitate trade at global standards. That is the work ahead."
The new Vice President expressed deep gratitude to the founding fathers and the current leadership of WTC Lagos for their trust. He noted that he is eager to give "renewed momentum to visions that have long awaited the right moment and structure." His roadmap includes partnering with governments, the organized private sector, and international trade institutions to ensure Nigeria remains a competitive force within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Beyond his corporate roles, David Opeyemi Oke is a recognized educator and mentor. He serves as a guest facilitator at the Nile Career Center at Nile University of Nigeria, where he helps shape the next generation of African "reformers."
His academic background is equally distinguished, holding an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Myles University and certifications from the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) Africa.