It was a night of grandeur as the  Balmoral Convention Centre came alive last night as captains of industry, policymakers, and leading lights of Nigeria’s corporate and creative community converged for the prestigious EDGE Awards 2025.

With the theme “Excellence Beyond Borders,” the evening celebrated brands, agencies, public figures, and institutions whose exceptional contributions have reshaped industries and pushed the boundaries of innovation.

A Historic Welcome

Delivering his welcome address, John Ajayi, Publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge Group, described the night as a historic moment in Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) calendar.

He paid glowing tributes to the Almighty for sustaining the EDGE journey over the past 13 years and expressed gratitude to the Nigerian business community, sponsors, and industry partners for their unwavering support.

The Evolution of EDGE Awards

Ajayi highlighted that the EDGE Awards had evolved into a two-in-one powerhouse event, blending intellectual discourse with a grand showcase of creativity and brand excellence.

“Our efforts have repositioned this platform as more than a ceremony.

It is now a knowledge-sharing hub that drives the future of brand management, while celebrating those who set new standards across diverse sectors of the economy,” he said.

Rigorous Selection of Winners
He explained that the Awards Committee, in collaboration with the editorial board and business intelligence unit, had meticulously identified winners across categories.

These spanned across  oil and gas, ICT, aviation, construction, real estate, insurance, healthcare, politics, and more.

According to him, the rigorous process reflected data, statistics, and content analysis, ensuring that honourees truly embodied the year’s theme of transcending borders.

A Philosophy of Boundless Excellence

The Marketing Edge CEO stressed that Excellence Beyond Borders represents a philosophy that recognises outstanding achievers regardless of geography, industry, or discipline.

“What matters is not where you are located, but how exceptionally well you have excelled,” Ajayi declared, adding that tonight’s honourees have become symbols of resilience, creativity, and impact in both local and global contexts.

Honouring Leadership and Governance

He acknowledged Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State, the chairman of the occasion, commending him for setting new benchmarks in political leadership and building enviable brand equity in governance.

Celebrating the Spirit of Excellence

Ajayi reminded the audience that awards ceremonies like EDGE serve a higher purpose recognising excellence, inspiring others, and igniting passion across generations.

“We celebrate not only the winners but the very spirit of excellence itself the courage to dream big, the sacrifice to stay the course, and the power to redefine limits,” he said.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition

Reflecting on its origins, Ajayi recalled that the platform began in 2013 as the National Marketing Stakeholders Summit and Brand & Advertising Excellence Awards and has since matured into the globally respected EDGE Awards.

Over the years, it has grown into a beacon for innovation and thought leadership in marketing and advertising, raising the bar across industries.

A Challenge for the Future

He urged stakeholders to see the ceremony as both a reward and a challenge to keep breaking new ground.

“Creativity, innovation, hard work, dedication, and passion are the bedrock of transformation.

As we celebrate tonight, may we remain inspired to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence in the years ahead,” he concluded.

A Global Celebration of Distinction

The EDGE Awards 2025, already hailed as one of the most anticipated nights on Nigeria’s corporate and social calendar, once again reaffirmed its position as a global stage for celebrating brilliance, resilience, and distinction without borders.

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