Emotion filled the atmosphere at the Lagos Country Club on Saturday, 28 March, 2026,  as alumni of Research and Marketing Services Limited, family members, colleagues and industry stakeholders gathered to honour Kareem Akande Tejumola, widely recognised as Nigeria’s doyen of marketing research.

The reunion style celebration brought together 107 former employees who worked with the organisation across different decades, especially between the 1990s and early 2000s.

As they reconnected, they shared memories, tributes and professional reflections that collectively highlighted the enduring influence of the firm established in the 1980s.

Opening the event, organiser Tosin Agbelusi described the gathering as a purposeful recognition moment dedicated to celebrating a mentor whose discipline, vision and institutional leadership shaped the marketing research profession across Africa.

According to him, the occasion represented more than nostalgia. Instead, it honoured a legacy that continues to inspire practitioners and strengthen industry standards.

Serving as Special Guest of Honour at the event, the former Osun State governor and former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, also reflected on a relationship with the celebrant that stretches back more than 60 years.

Drawing from both personal experience and governance history, he explained how the research expert’s perception studies helped reshape communication strategies during his administration.

While presenting an award to the celebrant, the former state leader further recommended him for national recognition, emphasising that his contributions to professional development and institutional capacity building deserve wider acknowledgement.

Meanwhile, tributes flowed steadily from alumni groups representing different generational cohorts within the organisation.

These included alumni from the 1980 to 1990 cohort, the 1990 to 2000 cohort and the 2000 to 2010 cohort, with Yemi Makinde and Ed Dunda coordinating presentations from one of the groups.

Tributes also came from clients, neighbours, associates and long standing professional partners, reinforcing the broad reach of the celebrant’s mentorship network.

Adding depth to the evening’s highlights, Joke Silva and Taiwo Obileye jointly presented the biography of the marketing research pioneer.

Their presentation formed part of a wider sequence that also included portrait unveiling, award presentations and celebration sessions among attendees.

Their appearance, however, did more than present a biography. With the steady presence and expressive delivery expected from seasoned stage and screen professionals, the Nollywood veterans brought added glamour, emotional depth and a profound sense of respect to the celebration as they read the life story of the revered marketing research figure.

Their performance style transformed the biography presentation into a reflective highlight of the evening, allowing guests to reconnect not only with the professional milestones of Kareem Akande Tejumola but also with the personal values, mentorship legacy and institutional contributions that have defined his enduring influence across Nigeria’s marketing research community.

Speaking afterwards with MARKETING EDGE, the veteran actor, Taiwo Obileye,  described the celebrant as a trusted friend whose influence has remained visible over many years of professional interaction.

Similarly, Prof. Alaba Simpson, former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Crawford University, explained that the culture of excellence she later transmitted within academia originated from the discipline she absorbed during her years working under the celebrated research leader.

In the same spirit, Olufunmilayo Olutowoju, Managing Director of Vetex3 Experience and Artsplit Limited, credited the organisation’s early career training environment for shaping her leadership values and mentoring philosophy.

Also sharing her experience, Stella Okpala, Managing Director of Deep Dive Research Limited, narrated how she progressed from secretary to deputy managing director within the organisation through the encouragement and confidence of the celebrant.

According to her, that opportunity laid the foundation for the career she leads today in Nigeria’s research sector.

Likewise, Kunle Arofin, Sales Operations Coordinator at Globacom, explained that international exposure opportunities gained during his time at the firm expanded his professional horizon and influenced his career direction significantly.

Responding to the tributes, the celebrant expressed appreciation for the recognition from alumni, colleagues and industry partners.

He also used the moment to emphasise the importance of adaptation within the research profession.

According to him, the future of marketing research remains promising. However, professionals who fail to adjust to industry evolution risk losing relevance in a rapidly changing knowledge environment.

Meanwhile, the  high point of the ceremony was the presentation of both award and the unveiling of a large portrait, and a celebration session among attendees that further reinforced the deep appreciation shared across generations of professionals for the enduring legacy of the respected marketing research leader

As the celebration gradually concluded, the reunion reinforced not only the enduring legacy of Research and Marketing Services Limited but also the continuing influence of its founder on generations of practitioners across Nigeria’s marketing research community.