Amos Oladele, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of MARKETING EDGE, has called on brands and industry professionals to harness great ideas and bold innovation in the pursuit of excellence.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Ten Degrees Event Hall, Billingsway, Oregun, Lagos, Oladele said creativity, fresh thinking and the courage to challenge convention remain essential to raising standards and taking excellence beyond familiar boundaries.

Passionately, he  urged industry stakeholders to remain committed to excellence, creativity and innovation despite the challenges confronting businesses and professionals.

Also, the  industry leader said prevailing difficulties should not diminish the pursuit of high standards, urging brands and professionals to continue investing in ideas capable of creating meaningful value.

Again, he said the annual platform had evolved beyond the presentation of trophies to become a celebration of ideas, leadership, resilience, innovation and outstanding achievement.

As the organisation hosted the 14th edition of the EDGE Awards,  he  called for sustained commitment to excellence, innovation and bold ideas

The marketing expert described the 2026 edition as a significant gathering under the theme and guiding philosophy, “Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders,” stressing that excellence should not be restricted by industry, geography, background or circumstance.

According to him, the essence of the awards is to identify and celebrate individuals, brands, agencies, organisations and institutions that have challenged convention, embraced new ideas and demonstrated exceptional performance.

Furthermore,the brand builder said the philosophy behind the EDGE Awards is closely connected to MARKETING EDGE’s longstanding commitment to “Promoting the Brand Idea”, noting that the organisation has consistently championed ideas capable of building brands, transforming businesses, influencing people and shaping industries.

Significantly, he explained that the awards platform represents an extension of that commitment by providing recognition for those who have refused to settle for ordinary outcomes.

In the same vein, he added that  the achievements being celebrated at the ceremony reflected commitment, courage, hard work, vision and determination, particularly among professionals and organisations that had navigated difficult circumstances to deliver remarkable results.

For the recipients, the  Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief said the recognition should serve not only as acknowledgement of their accomplishments but also as motivation to pursue greater possibilities.

Interestingly, he  urged the awardees to regard the honour as an encouragement to continue raising standards and pushing the boundaries of what is possible within their respective fields.

Beyond the individual recognitions, the MARKETING EDGE helmsman used the occasion to acknowledge the collective contribution of professionals and teams whose creativity, expertise and dedication continue to support the development of the marketing communications industry and the wider economy.

Against this background, he noted that successful brands are built on strong ideas, while outstanding campaigns and achievements are often products of teamwork, vision, sacrifice and determination.

Notably, the 2026 ceremony also carried a strong sense of remembrance as it marked the first EDGE Awards since the death of MARKETING EDGE Founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, Asiwaju John Tolulope Ajayi, who died on December 10, 2025.

Oladele acknowledged the significance of Ajayi’s absence, describing the late founder as a builder and passionate advocate of the marketing communications industry who believed in the power of ideas and the importance of giving deserving brands and professionals credible recognition.

Memorably, he said Ajayi’s belief in creating a platform capable of reporting the progress of the marketing communications industry while celebrating its achievements had helped shape the institution that MARKETING EDGE represents today.

Rather than viewing the founder’s death as an interruption to that vision, the MD  said the organisation had chosen to honour his legacy through continuity, progress and the continued development of the platform he established.

He maintained that the vision behind MARKETING EDGE and its philosophy of “Promoting the Brand Idea” remain relevant to the organisation’s direction as it enters a new chapter.

Oladele also highlighted the evolution of the awards platform itself, noting that the rebranded EDGE Awards has expanded its recognition beyond conventional marketing communications boundaries to embrace broader expressions of innovation and excellence.

He said the evolution reflects the organisation’s determination to recognise achievement wherever it occurs and to provide a platform that reflects the changing realities of business, brands and society.

As the ceremony commenced, Oladele expressed appreciation to the sponsors, partners, advertisers, members of the awards board, guests and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the event.

He equally commended the MARKETING EDGE team for its resilience and commitment, particularly during a period of transition for the organisation.

Oladele said the team’s responsibility was not only to preserve the institution’s heritage but also to have the courage to embrace new possibilities and respond to the demands of the future.

He further reaffirmed MARKETING EDGE’s commitment to telling stories that matter, stimulating conversations around the industry and recognising individuals and organisations contributing to its development.

The 14th edition of the EDGE Awards therefore brought together industry stakeholders, corporate leaders, professionals, brands and other guests to celebrate achievements across sectors, with Oladele urging participants to draw inspiration from those who have broken barriers and raised standards.

He said the celebration should reinforce the belief that excellence remains achievable despite prevailing challenges, while encouraging stakeholders to continue investing in ideas, creativity, innovation and high standards.

He reiterated the central philosophy of MARKETING EDGE, “Promoting the Brand Idea,” while urging guests to embrace the broader message of the evening: “Celebrating Excellence Beyond Borders.”