02 Academy Lagos brought its year to a memorable close with the Close of Busyness Party, a two day celebration that gathered lovers of creativity, industry professionals, partners, alumni, students and enthusiasts from across advertising, marketing communications, media and related sectors.

The event unfolded as a meeting point of reflection, recognition and renewed connection, where the pace of a demanding year softened into shared moments of warmth, laughter and meaning.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere carried the feeling of return. Familiar faces re emerged, new relationships quietly formed and the space filled with conversations that flowed easily between nostalgia and possibility.

Guided by an energetic master of ceremonies, the gathering sustained a lively rhythm that kept the audience engaged while allowing the deeper purpose of the event to shine through.

Two Days of Learning, Connection and Celebration

The first day featured a range of activities that reflected the Academy’s commitment to capacity building and industry relevance.

Masterclasses facilitated by respected industry practitioners created room for learning, exchange and practical insight, reinforcing the institution’s role as a bridge between education and professional practice.

By the second day, attention shifted to celebration, as the Close of Busyness Party culminated in an award ceremony dedicated to recognising impact across brands, individuals, alumni and the Academy community.

Guests from agencies, client organisations, media houses, policy circles and the creative freelance community filled the venue, reflecting the breadth of influence the Academy had cultivated over nearly two decades.

The event served not only as an end of year gathering, but as a reminder of the shared labour, late nights and quiet dedication that defined creative work throughout the year.

Honouring Impact Across Brands and Individuals.

The award ceremony featured several categories designed to spotlight measurable contribution and consistent support for talent development.

Brand Impact Awards were presented to organisations whose engagement with the Academy and the wider industry stood out over the year.

Recipients included Duchase recognised for its role as an educational partner, Olam Agri, Coca Cola HBC Supply Chain Academy for Workplace Learning and First Bank, named Creative Partner of the Year.

Beyond brands, individual and alumni awards acknowledged professionals identified as changemakers within the industry, alongside Academy Awards that celebrated the commitment of instructors and staff, both residential and non residential, whose work often unfolded behind the scenes.

Each recognition reinforced a central theme of the evening, that progress in the creative industry rested on collective effort and sustained belief.

Voices from the Academy’s Leadership

Addressing guests, Ozone Mbanefo, Provost of O2 Academy Lagos and Abuja, described the Close of Busyness Party as a celebration of impact rather than routine festivity. He reflected on the Academy’s journey from idea to institution, noting its contribution to talent development and economic value through graduates working in Nigeria and beyond. He credited industry experts, brands and partners for standing with the Academy in building employable talent and strengthening the advertising ecosystem, while also acknowledging regulatory support that affirmed the Academy’s place within the industry.

Similarly, Associate Provost Uche Ozor spoke about the meaning behind the Close of Busyness concept, explaining that it was created to honour the often unseen labour of creatives who worked relentlessly through the year.

He emphasised the Academy’s eighteen plus years of consistent influence and encouraged guests to use the gathering to connect, network and recognise their shared journey within the industry.

The Moment That Stilled the Room

As the evening progressed, emotion gradually gathered beneath the celebration, reaching its peak with a moment that redefined the ceremony.

The Provost called for a one minute silence in honour of the late Chief John Olulope Ajayi, Founder, Publisher and Editor in Chief of MARKETING EDGE.

The room fell quiet, applause gave way to reflection and the weight of collective loss settled gently across the audience.

The silence paved the way for a posthumous award recognising Ajayi’s Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Media and his role in amplifying industry voices.

In presenting the honour, Mbanefo delivered a deeply personal tribute that revealed the closeness of Ajayi’s relationship with the Academy.

He described him as an innermost member of the O2 Academy family, a man who consistently used his platform to support talent development and advance the Academy’s mission from its early days.

According to the Provost, Ajayi’s commitment went beyond coverage or goodwill. His belief in the long term value of education directly supported the Academy’s expansion into universities and strengthened its visibility within the industry.

Reflecting on his passing, Mbanefo acknowledged the pain of loss while affirming the Academy’s decision to honour a lifetime devoted to service, growth and community.

A Closing That Became a Beginning

The posthumous recognition of John Ajayi stood as the emotional centre of the Close of Busyness Party, transforming the event from celebration into remembrance.

It captured not only what he contributed, but who he was to the industry and to the Academy, a steady voice, a supporter and a builder of platforms for others.

As the event drew to a close, the sense remained that this was more than an end of year party. It was a homecoming, a pause to honour effort, and a shared promise to carry forward the values of impact, collaboration and belief.

For two days, 02 Academy became more than a place. It became a feeling, one shaped by memory, strengthened by community and marked by a farewell that will continue to echo through the industry.