David Opeyemi Oke

David Opeyemi Oke, Vice President, World Trade Center Lagos

David Opeyemi Oke is the Vice President of World Trade Center Lagos, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a forward-thinking team leader, policy strategist, and development expert. His professional journey spans policy development, community engagement, issue advocacy, grassroots organizing, and program design, with extensive involvement across both corporate and governmental ecosystems.

David has worked collaboratively with public and private institutions on the design and execution of policies and programs aimed at advancing sustainable development. His expertise cuts across trade and economic governance, youth engagement and development, migration and development, and internet governance, with hands-on contributions in several African countries including Uganda, Benin Republic, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Madagascar.

Prior to his current role, he served as Head of Trade Services at World Trade Center Abuja, where he led strategic trade facilitation initiatives and stakeholder engagement efforts. Before joining WTC Abuja, he founded Equip Africa Integrated Development Initiative, a non-profit organization focused on improving the socio-economic outcomes of African youth. He also served as Director General (Nigeria) of the Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade (GCPIT).

David’s leadership footprint extends deeply into Nigeria’s Organized Private Sector. He previously served as Director General of a leading chamber of commerce in Lagos, where he played a critical role in supporting the domestication of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreements, reinforcing his commitment to regional integration and intra-African trade.

Fondly known as DOOKE, he is a trusted policy and development consultant, providing advisory support to several ministries and government agencies in Nigeria. He is also the Convener of the Emerging African Leaders Summit, the Founder and Global President of the Club of Emerging Leaders for Africa (CELA), and a respected policy analyst frequently featured across Nigerian media platforms.

In recognition of his contributions to trade governance and youth development across Africa, David was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Myles University in 2023. He is an alumnus of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) Africa, where he earned a Certification in Public Leadership and Policy (CPLP). A Chartered Manager and member of several international professional bodies, he has also completed elite leadership programs including the ALINOV Fellowship and the Acumen Leadership Course.

Through his multifaceted career, David Opeyemi Oke continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to policy innovation, youth empowerment, and the advancement of Africa’s economic and leadership potential.