Govs Oyebanji, Sanwo- Olu lead other outstanding winners at 2024 EDGE AWARDS
By Seun Johnson
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday led other outstanding winners in receiving their plaques of honour at the 2024 EDGE AWARDS, a grand annual event hosted by MARKETING EDGE Publication Limited.
Held under an imposing aura and a magnificent ambiance of Balmoral Convention Centre of Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, the grand occasion marked the climax of the week-long activities celebrating the 21st anniversary of the leading Nigerian Marketing and Advertising Journal, featuring a parade of class, colour and charisma on display.
In his welcome address, Publisher and CEO of MARKETING EGDE, Chief John Ajayi revealed that the EDGE AWARDS reflects MARKETING EGDE broader vision and mission which is to provide a platform that honours and inspires players who have made their marks not only in the marketing and advertising community but in politics, entertainment and other field that impact humanity.
By expanding the award categories to encompass diverse sectors, Ajayi further noted that the EDGE AWARDS will aims to recognise and celebrate excellence across a broad range of industries.
While Oyebanji was recognized as Outstanding Governor of the Year for Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development, Sanwo-Olu went home with Grand Prix Award in Political Leadership. Similarly, Legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award in Law. Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emerged as Outstanding Public Service Brand Personality of the Year, while Chief Allen Onyema emerged as Brand Personality of the Year.
For Governors Oyebanji and Sanwo-Olu, it was a night of great honor in recognition of their indelible footprints on the sands of time. Since his emergence as Ekiti State governor in 2022, Oyebanji has achieved outstanding performance across the state with numerous projects and programs that highlight the value of continuity.
Renowned for his inclusive and grassroots-focused approach to governance, BAO as fondly called is committed to ensuring that the voices of the people, from rural communities to urban centers, are heard and reflected in decision-making processes.
His administration prioritizes equitable development, with impactful projects that uplift the state economies, enhance education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and create opportunities for all Ekiti residents. By fostering strong partnerships with traditional leaders, community groups, and stakeholders, the governor has built a model of governance that truly serves the people at every level. This uncommon approach to governance consequently positioned him for the EDGE AWARDS as Outstanding Governor of the Year for Inclusive Leadership and Grassroots Development.
In the same vein, the recognition of Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu with Grand Prix Award in Political Leadership is in line with his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service.
In the last five years, Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been marked by strategic policies that promote sustainable development, and enhance the well-being of Lagosians. With his ability to drive positive change, Sanwo-Olu has set a standard in political leadership, earning widespread recognition for his transformative impact on governance and society.
Honouring Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, with the Lifetime Achievement in Law is in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the legal profession. Over the decades, this legal giant has demonstrated unparalleled expertise, integrity, and commitment to upholding justice in Nigeria.
His distinguished career, marked by landmark cases and groundbreaking legal precedents, has not only shaped the nation’s legal landscape but also served as an inspiration to generations of lawyers. This award celebrates his enduring legacy, leadership, and dedication to the advancement of law and society.
Also, the emergence of General Bashir Adeniyi as the Outstanding Public Service Brand Personality of the Year at the 2024 EDGE AWARDS was a celebration of his exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the Nigerian Customs Service.
Under his stewardship, the agency has implemented innovative reforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and revenue generation while prioritizing trade facilitation and national security. His commitment to professionalism and integrity has fostered a positive image of the Customs Service, earning the trust of stakeholders and the public.
And for Chief Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace who went home as Brand Personality of the Year, it was a recognition of his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry. Under his guidance, Air Peace has grown into a leading airline, known for its commitment to safety, quality service, and regional connectivity.
Onyema’s innovative strategies and passion for nation-building have not only strengthened the aviation sector but have also promoted national unity through his philanthropic initiatives. The EDGE award recognizes his outstanding achievements in brand building, corporate leadership, and his enduring impact on society.
Israel Jaiye Opayemi, a strategic communicator and CEO of Chain Reactions received a Grand Prix Award for setting new standards in reputation management, crisis communication and brand building. It was a recognition of his excellence in Public Relations, leadership in shaping the industry and his commitment to driving positive narratives that impact the society.
Likewise, Dr. Tunji Olugbodi, Group CEO of Verdant Zeal Group was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Creative Advertising. The award was in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and evolution of the advertising industry in Nigeria.
Similarly, Emeka Okeke, Managing Partner and Group CEO of Media Fuse Dentsu Nigeria went home went Lifetime Achievement Award in Media Advertising while John Ehiguese was conferred with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Public Relations, Lanre Adisa and Bunmi Oke were separately honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award in Creative Advertising.
Also on the roll call of honour is Dozie Mbanefo who bagged the Leadership Award in Out of Home Advertising. As a visionary leader and CEO of New Crystal Communications, Mbanefo was celebrated for revolutionizing the outdoor advertising in Nigeria by introducing cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies that have enhanced audience engagement and brand visibility. The award acknowledges his leadership, pioneering spirit, and lasting contributions to the advertising industry.
Other personalities who bagged the EDGE Awards include Steve Onaivi as
Outstanding Media Advertising Personality of the Decade,
Sola Akinsiku, Leadership Award in OOH Advertising and Otis Ojeikhoa who got
Leadership Award in Experiential Marketing.
Outstanding Company CEO of the Year went to Engr. Dr. Ayodele Aioye as Outstanding Marketing Personality of the Year was won by Ilyas Kazeem, Adewunmi Desalu, Bamise Oyegbami, Sir Efedi Jellily (KSM), Toyin Nnodi and Morolake Emokpaire. Also, Outstanding Brand Management Personality of the Year went to Jennifer Nwanneka Egbuonu, Tope Sule and Olamide Ogundeji
The Legacy Brand Award recorded Robb, Coca-Cola, Mouka Foam, Eva Water, Swan Water, Gala, Haier Thermocool, Mobil Lubricant, Chivita and Optimum Exposures Limited as winners from their various categories. Outstanding Brand Manager Of The Year Award was taken by Kolawole Akintimehin and Titilayo Odekunle.
In words and indeed, the EDGE Awards served as a reminder that creativity, innovation, hardwork, dedication and passion could lead to great success and the recognition of outstanding performances in all spheres of life is the highest form of praise.
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