CLEVENARD TO HONOUR EJIKE E. OKPA II AT THE 2027 CLEVENARD OPEN PROJECT 6TH EDITION & CLEVENARD GLOBAL AWARDS 4TH EDITION IN TORREMOLINOS, MÁLAGA, SPAIN

MÁLAGA, SPAIN — Clevenard SL is proud to announce that Ejike E. Okpa II, distinguished Nigerian-American business executive, real-estate professional, economic-development advocate, civic leader, public servant and international trade adviser, will be honoured with a prestigious Clevenard Honorary Award during the 2027 Clevenard Open Project, taking place 22–25 June 2027 at the Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain.

The prestigious four-day international gathering will bring together global business leaders, diplomats, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, academics, creatives and development advocates from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and beyond under the powerful theme:

“A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection.”

Mr. Okpa’s participation will be a major highlight of the programme, reflecting his extensive experience at the intersection of business, real estate, government, financial policy, international trade, economic development and community leadership.

He will take centre stage on Day 2, 23 June 2027, delivering a keynote address focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing communities around the world: how to transform underserved populations into active participants in sustainable economic growth.

DAY 2 KEYNOTE ADDRESS — 23 JUNE 2027

“CREATING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES TO EXPAND THE FRANCHISE OF LIFE”

Keynote Speaker: Ejike E. Okpa II

Drawing on decades of experience across business, government, real estate, international relations and community development, Ejike E. Okpa II will address the critical connection between economic opportunity, investment, public policy and community empowerment.

His keynote will examine how strategic investment, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, education, international trade and effective collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock economic potential in communities that have historically been underserved.

The address will also explore the importance of building stronger connections between Africa, the United States and international markets, while creating pathways for communities, entrepreneurs and investors to participate in sustainable economic development.

With his unique Nigerian-American perspective and extensive experience in both business and public service, Okpa brings a distinctly global voice to the Clevenard Open Project.

A CAREER AT THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS, GOVERNMENT AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

Ejike E. Okpa II is a Nigerian-American business executive, real-estate professional, economic-development practitioner, civic leader and public servant whose career has extended across commercial real estate, government affairs, international trade, financial policy and community development.

Based in Dallas, Texas, Okpa has built a distinguished professional profile connecting business, government and international relations while maintaining a strong commitment to economic advancement in both the United States and Nigeria.

His career demonstrates how private enterprise, civic leadership and public service can work together to create economic opportunity and strengthen communities.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CANCER DETECTION THROUGH NUCLEOBIO

Among the innovative initiatives associated with Okpa is his work with NucleoBio, a pioneering molecular biology and biotechnology enterprise focused on transforming the early detection of cancer.

NucleoBio is developing innovative molecular, blood-based diagnostic technologies designed to enable earlier and more precise cancer detection, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The company's work includes Prostac™, a patented molecular-based test for the early, non-invasive detection of prostate cancer, as well as a broader proprietary Molecular Cancer Identification (MCI) Platform designed to support the development of additional molecular-based cancer tests.

The organisation's vision is to harness scientific innovation to transform the landscape of cancer diagnosis and contribute to a healthier future.

NucleoBio's development programme is also associated with plans for a major prostate cancer detection and research facility in Dallas, underscoring the connection between scientific innovation, investment, healthcare and community impact.

EARLY LIFE, EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL FOUNDATION

Born in Nigeria, Ejike E. Okpa II moved to the United States in the 1980s and eventually established Dallas as his professional and civic home.

He earned a bachelor's degree from Rivers State University of Science and Technology in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, before pursuing postgraduate education in real estate.

He subsequently completed an Executive Advanced Management Program in Real Estate at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

His early professional training in real-estate appraisal and property analysis established the foundation for a career that would expand into commercial real estate, economic development, government relations, international business and public policy.

REAL ESTATE, BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Okpa is principal of The OKPA Co., a Dallas-based consulting and business enterprise whose professional activities encompass commercial real estate, economic development, government affairs, financial policy, international business and global trade.

His career in real estate has included property analysis, appraisal, development-related consulting and advisory work. He has also held a Texas real-estate broker's licence and has been identified as a licensed senior property-tax consultant in Texas.

His experience includes participation in projects connected with Dallas's economic and real-estate development, including service as a consultant and adviser to the developer of Third Rail Lofts, a significant downtown Dallas residential development.

For Okpa, real estate has always represented more than property transactions. His professional philosophy recognises the relationship between investment, public policy, infrastructure, economic development and a city's ability to attract capital and create opportunity.

A LEGACY OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Beyond business, Okpa has established a significant record of civic engagement in Dallas.

His public-service activities have included appointments to municipal boards and participation in organisations addressing economic development, public safety, education and community affairs.

He became involved with the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, serving as board secretary and later vice chair.

He also served on the board of the Park South YMCA, where he contributed to efforts that helped raise more than $1 million, and received the Samuel G. Winstead Award from the Metro YMCA board.

His civic engagement has further included participation in the Dallas Police Citizens Academy, Dallas FBI Citizens Academy and Leadership Dallas.

Through these activities, Okpa has consistently promoted the principle that immigrant and minority communities should not simply observe civic institutions from the outside, but should actively participate in the decisions and institutions shaping their communities.

A TRAILBLAZER IN AMERICAN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC LIFE

In 2003, Ejike E. Okpa II ran for Mayor of Dallas, becoming one of the first African-born candidates to seek the mayoralty of a major American city.

His political campaign represented an important milestone in his broader civic journey and reflected his commitment to encouraging greater participation by immigrant communities in American public life.

His engagement subsequently expanded through relationships with elected officials and policymakers at municipal, state and federal levels, as well as through policy discussions concerning business development, international trade, economic opportunity and immigrant participation in civic institutions.

His public appointments have included service connected with the Texas State Board, the Dallas Permit and License Appeal Board and the Texas Region II advisory structure of the U.S. Selective Service System.

SERVICE ON THE TEXAS STATE SECURITIES BOARD

One of the most prominent chapters of Okpa's public-service career came in 2021, when he was appointed to the Texas State Securities Board.

The appointment reflected the breadth of his experience in business, real estate, financial policy and economic development.

His service on a state regulatory body further demonstrated his commitment to contributing professional expertise to institutions responsible for protecting investors and supporting the integrity and competitiveness of financial markets.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE, DIPLOMACY AND GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

International trade and diplomacy have played a significant role throughout Okpa's career.

His professional biography states that he was appointed in 2010 as a Texas trade consultant by the Sultan of Oman, with responsibilities connected to fostering commercial relations between Oman and Texas.

He has participated in international trade missions and has hosted foreign dignitaries on behalf of the U.S. State Department.

His international engagement has also included efforts to strengthen economic relationships between the United States and Africa, including work with the Africa Insights Committee of the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier in his Dallas career, Okpa participated in international business missions alongside city officials. In 1996, for example, he accompanied then-Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk on a business and economic-development mission to South Africa and Zimbabwe.

These experiences have positioned Okpa at a unique intersection of American business, African economic development and international diplomacy.

A BRIDGE BETWEEN NIGERIA, AMERICA AND THE AFRICAN DIASPORA

Although he has spent much of his adult life in the United States, Nigeria remains a central part of Okpa's identity and international outlook.

He has remained active within the Nigerian and broader African immigrant community in Dallas and has advocated for increased civic participation, economic empowerment and international engagement.

His public commentary and professional interests have addressed issues including Nigeria's economic development, political institutions, currency, international relations and the country's position within the global economy.

His journey represents a powerful transnational story — Nigerian by heritage, American by citizenship and civic participation, and international in professional outlook.

A LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY BUILT ON OPPORTUNITY AND CONNECTION

Throughout his career, Okpa has emphasised the importance of relationships, civic participation, economic opportunity and international cooperation.

His professional journey demonstrates a belief that economic development cannot be separated from public policy.

Real estate, finance, government, international trade, entrepreneurship and community development are interconnected forces, and sustainable growth requires collaboration among businesses, governments, investors and communities.

His experience as an immigrant who became deeply engaged in the civic and economic life of Dallas has also shaped his commitment to encouraging immigrant communities to participate fully in the institutions of their adopted societies.

WHY CLEVENARD IS HONOURING EJIkE E. OKPA II

The Clevenard Honorary Award recognises Ejike E. Okpa II for his extensive contributions across business leadership, economic development, real estate, international trade, public service, civic engagement, community development and international relations.

His career exemplifies the values at the heart of the Clevenard Open Project — connecting people, markets, cultures and opportunities to create meaningful and sustainable impact.

From Nigeria to the United States, from Dallas to international markets, and from private enterprise to public service, Okpa has built a career around creating connections and opening pathways for economic and civic participation.

His recognition at the 4th Edition of the Clevenard Global Awards celebrates not simply professional achievement, but a broader legacy of service, leadership, international engagement and economic vision.

THE HONOUR — DAY 4 | 25 JUNE 2027

Following his keynote appearance on Day 2, Ejike E. Okpa II will return to the spotlight on Friday, 25 June 2027, for the formal presentation of his Clevenard Honorary Award.

The award ceremony will form part of the Clevenard Global Awards — 4th Edition, the flagship awards celebration of the Clevenard Open Project 2027.

The evening will feature the International Fashion Runway, alongside art and cultural performances, bringing together distinguished personalities and international guests for a grand celebration of leadership, achievement, culture and global connection.

ABOUT THE CLEVEnard OPEN PROJECT 2027

The Clevenard Open Project 2027 is a four-day international flagship forum designed to connect leaders, businesses, governments, investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, educators and communities across continents.

Under the theme “A Global Celebration of Business, Culture, Creativity & Human Connection,” the event provides a platform for dialogue, networking, investment, cultural exchange and international collaboration.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 — 22 JUNE 2027

Global Authors’ Recognition & Education Summit

DAY 2 — 23 JUNE 2027

Global Economy, Trade, Solid Minerals, Agriculture & Investment Summit

Featuring Keynote Speaker: Ejike E. Okpa II

DAY 3 — 24 JUNE 2027

Global Tourism & International Film Celebration

DAY 4 — 25 JUNE 2027

Clevenard Global Awards — 4th Edition

International Fashion Runway • Art & Cultural Performances • Honorary Award Presentation

EVENT DETAILS

Dates: 22–25 June 2027

Venue:

Palacio de Congresos de Torremolinos

C/ México 3

29620 Torremolinos, Málaga, Spain

Organiser: Clevenard SL

NIF: B75809574

Media & Contact Enquiries:

+34 631 279 811

+34 672 93 12 16

Website: www.clevenard.com

ABOUT CLEVENARD

Clevenard is a global platform dedicated to connecting people, cultures, businesses and opportunities worldwide.

Through media, technology, international events and strategic partnerships, Clevenard amplifies voices, builds bridges between continents and creates opportunities that promote cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, economic development and global collaboration.

MISSION: “To connect the world, amplify voices, and create opportunities that transform lives.”

Category:

Press release 

Writer:

Ade Osindero