The 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE Now Edge Awards, held in Lagos, lived up to its reputation as Nigeria’s most prestigious marketing recognition platform.

With the powerful theme “Excellence Beyond Borders,” the event ignited far-reaching conversations across the industry.

Indeed, it cut across  professionalism and innovation.

Not only that, it also span across global competitiveness, and the evolving role of marketing communications in shaping national and continental progress.

A Celebration of Professionalism and Innovation

In his reflections, John Ajayi, CEO/Publisher of MARKETING EDGE, described the 13th edition as a symbolic milestone.

He said, “Turning 13 means a teenage stage, a year of discovery and change.

Excellence in young has been our focus because we believe in rewarding outstanding performance not only in integrated marketing communications.

According to him, it includes  the corporate community at large.

This award is more than recognition, it is a festival of brands and products.

So, we expect nothing short of excellence and a colorful outing.”

Furthermore, he urged winners to remain standard bearers and ambassadors of global best practices.

However, Ajayi noted that the Awards would continue to sustain its reputation as the industry’s most authoritative platform for excellence.

Industry Recognition on a Global Stage

For Kamsiyochukwu Eneanya, Marketing Executive at Jambitts Limited, a brand sponsor, MARKETING EDGE represents the biggest platform for recognition in Africa.

He remarked, “Marketing Edge is not just any awards it is the biggest in Nigeria, and arguably Africa

So, for a young brand like ours, it provides the exposure and recognition that only excellence can bring.”

He commended the platform for giving emerging brands the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with established giants.

In addition, his  colleague, Oluwaseun Akimoyesitan, Key Account and Regional Business Manager of Jambitts Limited, echoed this sentiment.

He emphasized that partnering with MARKETING EDGE provided the leverage and visibility needed for growth. He explained,

MARKETING EDGE

“This platform is not new to us. It allows us to build our brand, gain publicity, and connect with industry leaders.

Marketing Edge has consistently grown, leaving its footprints across digital and print, and we are proud to be part of it.”

Family, Academia and Innovation Intersect

Professor Babatunde Ajayi of the Federal University of Technology, Akure,  a guest at the event described  the Awards as an innovative idea that has bridged academia, industry,and enterprise.

He said, “This is more than an award, it is a movement that stimulates industrial and intellectual collaborations.

Innovation remains the starting point, and with initiatives like this, issues like poverty, food security, and climate change can also find answers.”

Brands Committed to Excellence

Kemi Shonubi, HR Director at TVC Communications Group, affirmed that excellence runs deep in the company’s values.

Receiving two awards, one for Your View and a Leadership Award for CEO Victoria Ajayi in broadcasting,

she reaffirmed that TVC’s commitment goes beyond recognition.

She stated, “Excellence is evident in our work. It is part of our culture pillars.

This recognition validates the grit, growth, and continuous improvement that drives us daily.”

In continuation, Victoria Ajayi, CEO of TVC Communications, highlighted how the Awards align with the new age of AI-driven advertising and technology-savvy creativity.

She explained, “Marketing today demands consistency, creativity, and innovation.

For Your View to maintain its number one spot for 12 years speaks volumes about the power of excellence.

We are honored that MARKETING EDGE recognizes such resilience.”

Honoring Digital Pioneers and Innovators

Tolu Onileere, MD of Playhouse Communication Limited, who bagged the Leadership Award in Digital Marketing, expressed his delight at being recognized as a digital pioneer.

He noted, “Excellence is a journey, not a destination.

Recognition from MARKETING EDGE inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, creating international-standard campaigns beyond product alone.”,

Eko Supreme Resources Driving Innovation 

Similarly in the consumer goods space, Kikelomo Oladipupo of Eko Supreme Resources, makers of So Klin detergent, emphasized that innovation drives their brand identity.

Winning Most Innovative Detergent Brand, she said,

“We’ve always been about excellence and innovation  from launching Nigeria’s first liquid detergent to our pink powder variant.

This award validates our culture of constant innovation, and consumers should expect more groundbreaking products soon.”

Experiential and Agency Excellence Recognized

Eunice Adeyemi, Managing Partner at Q21 Solutions, emerged as Outstanding Experiential Personality of the Decade.

She commended MARKETING EDGE for its consistency and scale, stating,

“There is no better way to celebrate the industry than what this platform has done.

It’s a festival of excellence, and I am amazed at its magnitude.

We will continue to create innovative experiences that excite audiences.”

Arts Agency Affirms the Pillars of Excellence

Adding his voice, Davidson Chibuzor Chukwu, CEO/MD of Arts Agency, emphasised that excellence, hard work, and professionalism remain the cardinal pillars of his agency’s operations.

He explained that Arts Agency understands what excellence truly stands for, which is why the recognition from MARKETING EDGE aligns perfectly with its vision.

He said, “We are glad to be identified with an award that truly recognizes excellence.

Arts Agency is a complete 360-degree marketing agency, and we go beyond the word excellence just to ensure that clients’ needs are satisfied beyond measure.

MARKETINGEDGE deserves commendation for spotlighting excellence in what professionals in the industry do.”

His remarks further underscored how young agencies are not only seeking recognition but also embodying excellence as a culture, setting benchmarks for the future.

Meanwhile, Israel Jaiye Opayemi, MD/Chief Strategist of Chain Reactions Africa, called for expanding the Awards beyond Nigeria.

He explained, “Excellence Beyond Borders is a timely theme.

Nigeria is already Africa’s marketing capital why not open this platform to agencies across Africa?

Let’s put Nigeria on the global map through this award.”

Building Brands Beyond Borders

For Abayomi Awe, MD of Rehoboth Chops and Confectioneries, who won Outstanding Confectionery Brand Personality of the Decade, the award serves as a spur to greater innovation.

He said, “Sustainability is key in business. Despite challenges, we’ve stayed resilient.

This recognition beats my imagination  it shows that hard work never goes unnoticed, and it challenges us to think beyond borders.”

In the same vein, Lanre Ashaolu, MD of Four Pulley Limited (FPL Media), winner of Outstanding OOH Agency, stated,

“At FPL, we push the boundaries of innovation in out-of-home marketing.

Recognition from MARKETING EDGE validates our role as industry pacesetters.”

Odunaka George, Head of Digital Marketing at Cway Group, won Outstanding Young Digital Marketing Personality.

He expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting,

“It takes countless campaigns, executions, and resilience to get here.

Being honored by Nigeria’s biggest marketing platform inspires us to aim higher.”

Sustaining the Spirit of Excellence

Veteran marketing professional Bunmi Oke described the Awards as proof of MARKETING EDGE’s resilience and vision.

She explained, “Marketing is about innovation, modern thinking, and adaptability.

What Marketing Edge is doing is keeping the industry alert, inspired, and future-ready.

The theme Excellence Beyond Borders is more than words; it is a call to action.”

Conclusion

The 13th edition of the MARKETING EDGE Now Edge Awards was more than an awards ceremony; it was a convergence of ideas, creativity, and vision.

With “Excellence Beyond Borders” as its rallying cry, the event reaffirmed MARKETING EDGE’s leadership as the nation’s most exclusive, authoritative platform for celebrating professionalism and innovation.

This is while also inspiring brands and professionals to push beyond limits and set new global standards.