Industry stakeholders have applauded MARKETING EDGE for keeping its founder’s vision alive, describing the organisation’s continued progress as a commendable demonstration of resilience while calling for a stronger role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s marketing and advertising ecosystem.

Speaking in separate interviews with MARKETING EDGE ONTV, the advertising and marketing executives reflected on the significance of the organisation’s continued work following the passing of its founder, Asiwaju John Tolulope Ajayi. They also outlined their expectations for its future, ranging from stronger industry collaboration and professional recognition to culturally relevant brand building and knowledge sharing.

For Bunmi Oke, Chief Executive Officer of Lady Bird Advertising Limited and former President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the organisation’s ability to sustain its founder’s vision deserves particular commendation. She said the commitment demonstrated by the team and its industry supporters offered encouragement that the purpose behind the platform would endure.

Oke explained that MARKETING EDGE was established to recognise professionals and brands making meaningful contributions to the industry. She therefore expects its recognition platform to continue celebrating achievements that help brands distinguish themselves and strengthen their positions in the marketplace.

According to her, the industry has reason to welcome the team’s determination to preserve that original purpose, particularly at a time when continuity requires collective commitment from colleagues, friends and stakeholders.

Similarly, Kelechi Nwosu, former Chief Executive Officer of TBWA\Concept and former President of AAAN, sees greater opportunities for MARKETING EDGE to influence the direction of the wider marketing ecosystem.

While expecting an enjoyable evening of professional interaction and well-deserved recognition, Nwosu stressed that awards become more valuable when they acknowledge the work professionals have contributed over the preceding year. He noted that such recognition encourages industry practitioners and reinforces the importance of rewarding excellence.

Beyond the awards, however, Nwosu challenged MARKETING EDGE to turn its accumulated industry knowledge into a stronger platform for shaping conversations, identifying emerging patterns and improving professional practice across the marketing value chain.

He called for a more integrated approach that brings clients, advertising and marketing agencies, creative partners, media organisations and distribution channels into conversations about the industry’s future.

Nwosu also highlighted cultural relevance as an important issue for the sector, urging stakeholders to examine how deeply Nigerian brands reflect the country’s values, experiences and identities. He believes MARKETING EDGE can help advance this conversation by creating opportunities for industry players to consider how brands can build stronger foundations in local culture.

For him, a more informed and collaborative marketing ecosystem would generate professional knowledge, economic value and fresh opportunities for the organisations and practitioners operating within it.

Similarly, Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Aster Integrated Marketing Limited, expressed excitement and gratitude over the successful staging of the MARKETING EDGE Awards 2026, describing the event as an uncommon achievement following the passing of the organisation’s founding publisher, Asiwaju John Ajayi.

Medebem said the first edition of the awards since Ajayi’s passing was one she was determined not to miss, adding that the turnout and atmosphere exceeded her expectations. She expressed delight at seeing a full hall, with Sir Udeme Ufot serving as chairman, and witnessing an event that attracted strong attendance and widespread celebration.

Commending the team responsible for keeping the platform running, she applauded everyone currently managing MARKETING EDGE for sustaining the founder’s vision despite his absence. According to her, the team’s ability to deliver such a well-attended event under the circumstances was uncommon and worthy of recognition.

Furthermore, Medebem expressed hope that, by the grace of God, the organisation would continue to thrive over the next 20 years and beyond, even under the stewardship of a different generation of professionals. For her, the most important measure of continuity is that Ajayi’s legacy remains alive and that his efforts were not in vain.

She also emphasised that preserving the platform means much to the marketing industry and its continued growth, as it keeps alive the purpose behind the founder’s work while creating room for future generations to build on his contributions.

Meanwhile, Amos Oladele, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of MARKETING EDGE, reaffirmed the organisation’s determination to preserve its founder’s legacy while building a stronger future with the support of the industry.

He said stakeholders should expect creativity, innovation, beauty, conviviality and productive partnerships from the organisation, alongside greater cohesion among the different players whose work sustains the marketing sector.

Oladele expressed gratitude to God and the industry for its continued support, noting that the event carried special significance because it followed the passing of Ajayi, whose vision established the platform.

He maintained that the founder’s absence would not diminish the purpose he set in motion, expressing confidence that the team would continue to develop his ideas and expand the organisation’s contribution to the industry.

Oladele also acknowledged the importance of sustained stakeholder support, describing collective participation as essential to keeping the founder’s vision alive and ensuring that the organisation continues to grow.

In a related assessment, Anthony Nwabuisi, Head of Business and Managing Director of Optimum Exposures Nigeria Limited, expressed expectations of an exciting gathering featuring entertainment, networking and recognition of prominent industry practitioners.

Nwabuisi said the occasion would provide opportunities for colleagues to reconnect, exchange ideas and celebrate professionals whose contributions have helped shape the marketing and advertising sector.

He also commended the MARKETING EDGE team for maintaining its activities following Ajayi’s passing, describing the effort as evidence of the enduring value of the founder’s work.

For Nwabuisi, the organisation’s continued progress reflects a legacy that can serve as a foundation for further development. He expressed hope that the team would build on that inheritance and sustain its engagement with the industry.

Across their different perspectives, the executives pointed to a common expectation: MARKETING EDGE should preserve the purpose that shaped its beginnings while broadening its influence on professional standards, industry knowledge, cultural relevance and collaboration.

Their observations place the organisation’s future beyond the continuation of an awards platform alone. They point instead to an opportunity for MARKETING EDGE to strengthen its role as a meeting point for ideas, recognition and conversations that can help shape the next phase of Nigeria’s marketing and advertising industry.