By Nnasom David

Renowned project management expert, Ifeanyi Michael Okafor, has been awarded the Project Management Excellence Award by the Institute of Professional Managers & Administrators of Nigeria (IPMA). The award recognizes his remarkable contributions to strategic management, project execution, and organizational transformation.

The accolade highlights Okafor’s pivotal role at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where his leadership has significantly driven strategic initiatives, enhanced financial inclusion, and improved regulatory reforms.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Jibril saliu, Registrar/ Chief Executive of IPMA, praised Okafor’s trailblazing approach to project management.

“Ifeanyi Michael Okafor exemplifies what it means to be a transformational leader in project management. His innovative approach to portfolio execution and strategic alignment has significantly impacted the CBN’s operations, setting new benchmarks for efficiency and transparency,” Saliu stated.

Okafor’s project management journey spans over 12 years, beginning at AVO Consultants, where he worked on the Enugu Road Rehabilitation Project. He later transitioned to power system operations before excelling as a Portfolio Analyst Manager at the CBN’s Strategy Management Department.

Among his achievements, Okafor led the development of the Enterprise Portfolio, Program & Project Management (EPPPM) Handbook, standardizing project management practices at the bank. He also spearheaded the creation of the Project Portfolio Dashboard, a tool that provides real-time insights to enhance decision-making.

In his acceptance speech, Okafor expressed gratitude to his colleagues and mentors, emphasizing the role of teamwork and continuous learning.

“This recognition is a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic thinking in project management. I dedicate this award to my colleagues at the CBN, whose hard work and commitment make innovation possible. Together, we have built systems that drive efficiency, accountability, and sustainable growth,” Okafor said.

Mrs Bisi Toro-Poopola, a senior official at the CBN, commended Okafor’s transformative leadership.

“Ifeanyi’s work has transformed how we approach strategic projects at the CBN. His leadership in developing the Strategy Portal has improved project tracking, transparency, and alignment with national financial policies,” Adegbite noted.

Holding multiple professional certifications, including PMP, PRINCE2®️ Foundation, Professional Scrum Master (PSM1), and Certified KPI Professional, Okafor remains an active contributor to the project management field. He regularly shares insights at industry events like the PMI Global Conference and mentors aspiring project managers.

The IPMA Project Management Excellence Award is a well-deserved recognition for Okafor, whose vision and expertise continue to shape Nigeria’s project management landscape. His commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and operational efficiency stands as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s evolving economy.