MARKETING EDGE ONTV will, this Wednesday, deliver a special, deeply reflective broadcast dedicated to the life, values, and enduring influence of its late Founder, Editor in Chief, and Publisher, Chief John Tolulope Ajayi.

Broadcast Schedule and Viewing Details

Meanwhile, the episode forms part of MARKETING EDGE ONTV’s weekly 30 minute broadcast. It will air on TVC News on DSTV Channel 418 at 12.30 pm and on wapTV on DSTV Channel 262 from 11.00 am to 11.30 am, with a repeat scheduled for Thursday at 9.30 am.

The episode offers viewers across Nigeria and beyond an intimate look at the moments that defined his final passage and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

The broadcast brings together three powerful segments that seamlessly capture faith, tribute, and final farewell, presenting a comprehensive narrative of a media icon whose work fundamentally reshaped marketing and brand journalism in Nigeria.

 

Faith and Reflection: Brand News

Viewers will first witness highlights from the solemn Requiem Mass held at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, Arepo, Ogun State, which opened a week-long celebration of Ajayi’s life. This segment vividly reflects the spiritual foundation that guided his journey.

Family members, colleagues, friends, and well-wishers gathered in heartfelt remembrance, collectively acknowledging the principles that defined him: discipline, service, faith, and unwavering commitment.

Presided over by Reverend Father Dr David Akala and assisted by senior clergy, the Mass emphasized the depth of Ajayi’s life philosophy, illustrating how his personal and professional path was firmly anchored in values that inspired those around him.

Celebration of Influence: Brand In Focus

Transitioning into Brand In Focus, the programme showcases moments from the emotionally charged Night of Tributes in Lagos. Industry leaders, media executives, brand custodians, and long-standing associates delivered moving tributes to a man widely regarded as the conscience of the marketing communications sector.

Through reflections on mentorship, professional advocacy, and personal anecdotes shared by family members, including a heartfelt tribute from his daughter, the segment illustrates how Ajayi’s influence went far beyond publishing.

He shaped careers, raised industry standards, and influenced conversations across sectors, leaving a lasting imprint on every professional who encountered him.

 

Final Farewell: Industry Conversation

The final segment, Industry Conversation, takes viewers to Ijan Ekiti, Ekiti State, for Ajayi’s burial ceremony and interment at his country home. The broadcast follows the Funeral Mass at St James Catholic Church and the procession to his final resting place, providing a poignant closure to a life characterized by service, sacrifice, and purpose.

Voices from family and colleagues highlight the profound respect he commanded across generations, underscoring the far-reaching impact of a man whose values, work ethic, and vision touched so many lives.

 

A Life of Resilience and Purpose

Beyond these events, the broadcast celebrates Ajayi’s extraordinary life and career trajectory. Born on June 12, 1963, in Ijan Ekiti, Gboyin Local Government Area, to devout Catholic parents who were peasant farmers and community leaders, John Ajayi grew up appreciating the value of hard work, discipline, and responsibility.

Journey into Journalism

Ajayi’s professional journey began with a relentless pursuit of education, overcoming obstacles to gain admission to the University of Lagos, where he studied English.

He demonstrated exceptional balance, combining academic excellence with practical work experience, often working by day and studying by night.

Simultaneously, he remained deeply engaged in student leadership, tribal associations, and community service. These experiences instilled in him the belief that hard work, perseverance, and purpose could overcome even the most daunting challenges.

 

Pioneering Media and Brand Journalism

Ajayi’s professional path was marked by innovation, resilience, and vision. Beginning with established newspapers such as The News, THISDAY, and Comet, he introduced specialised marketing and advertising columns that captured public attention and generated significant revenue.

Recognising a gap in the media landscape, he founded MARKETING EDGE Publications on September 10, 2003, pioneering brand journalism in Nigeria. His vision was clear: to create media that informed, inspired, and expanded the frontiers of marketing and advertising in the country.

Expanding Reach Through Television and Digital Platforms

Ajayi’s philosophy extended seamlessly to television and digital platforms. He spearheaded MARKETING EDGE ONTV, a weekly program on WAP TV and DSTV, delivering brand news, industry insights, and conversations across Nigeria.

He also leveraged LED billboards, newsletters, online platforms, and virtual forums, ensuring that marketing content reached diverse audiences. Through these innovations, he transformed the way media and brands engage consumers in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for industry engagement.

Mentorship and Lasting Influence

Throughout his career, Ajayi remained a committed mentor, guiding young media professionals to embrace hard work, discipline, integrity, and value creation. He emphasized that success in journalism and business was not about luck or status but about resilience, consistency, and meaningful contribution.

His influence shaped a generation of marketers, journalists, and industry leaders who continue to uphold the standards he championed, cementing his legacy as an enduring force in the sector.

 

Legacy That Lives On

This Wednesday’s broadcast is more than a memorial; it is a tribute, reflection, and reminder that while Chief John Ajayi has been laid to rest, his ideas, standards, and influence remain vibrant. For viewers, it is an opportunity to witness history, honour a remarkable legacy, and reconnect with the values and principles that continue to define Nigeria’s marketing and media landscape.