MARKETING EDGE on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, hosted a deeply moving Night of Tributes in honour of its late Editor-in-Chief, Founder and Publisher, John Ajayi, transforming an evening of remembrance into a powerful affirmation of unity, legacy and shared professional purpose.

Held at the Luxury Event Centre, MKO Abiola Garden Road, Alausa, Ikeja, the gathering drew an extraordinary mix of industry leaders, professionals and stakeholders from across multiple sectors of the Nigerian economy, extending far beyond the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry where Ajayi left his most visible imprint.

Their presence spoke volumes: John Ajayi was not merely an industry figure, but a man whose influence, relationships and values transcended professional boundaries.

An Outpouring of Emotion and Shared Memory

From the moment tributes began, it became clear that the night would be one defined by sincerity and unrestrained emotion.

Speaker after speaker took the stage some with painful smiles, others with trembling voices sharing personal reflections, eulogies, anecdotes and spontaneous expressions of gratitude. There was no holding back.

What unfolded was an unbroken flow of heartfelt testimonies, an almost endless roll-call of memories that revealed the many lives Ajayi touched.

Tears flowed freely, laughter punctuated sorrow, and silence often followed words too heavy with meaning. Each tribute added another layer to the portrait of a man remembered not only for what he built, but for how he made people feel.

A Man Whose Reach Cut Across Sectors

The diversity of voices underscored a defining truth of the evening: John Ajayi’s relevance was not confined to one industry. Leaders from media, marketing, public relations, corporate organisations and allied sectors gathered in one accord, united by shared encounters with a man described repeatedly as principled, humane, courageous, selfless and unwaveringly committed to excellence.

His legacy, speakers noted, rested not just in platforms created or stories told, but in relationships nurtured, doors opened and people empowered
often quietly, without expectation of recognition.

Words That Spoke With One Voice

As the evening progressed, an unmistakable pattern emerged. Despite the diversity of speakers and experiences, certain words surfaced again and again consistently and instinctively.

Terms such as resilient, dogged, result-oriented, never sees impossible, and an unmistakable “I can do it” spirit echoed through the hall. The repetition did not come from coordination, but from conviction, with each tribute drawn from personal encounters and lived experience.

Regardless of when or how individuals encountered him whether years ago or shortly before his passing on December 10, 2025 there was always something profound to share. Every interaction, no matter how brief, was described as meaningful.

More Than a Memorial, a Moment of Industry Reflection

Beyond honouring one man, the Night of Tributes evolved into a moment of collective self-awareness for the industry itself. As professionals gathered under one roof, the evening reinforced the strength, relevance and essence of coming together with a common purpose. In remembering Ajayi, many rediscovered the deeper meaning of their work, their unity and their shared responsibility to uphold the values he embodied.

A Legacy That Lives On

Organised by MARKETING EDGE, the Night of Tributes stood as a fitting homage to a visionary media entrepreneur whose life’s work helped shape Nigeria’s marketing communications landscape.

It was a night of recall, a night of truth, and above all, a night that affirmed that while John Ajayi may be gone, his influence endures in people, in principles and in an industry forever changed by his presence.

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