The MARKETING EDGE Group has joined the rest of the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry in mourning the passing of Mr. Ben Ilo, a dedicated Out-of-Home advertising expert and longtime pillar at New Crystal Communications.

Indeed, his sudden departure has left a void not only in his home agency but also across the entire advertising landscape in Nigeria.

Remembering a Trusted Ally and Professional

A consummate professional with over 25 years of unwavering service, Ben Ilo was more than just a business partner to the MARKETING EDGE family.

He was a friend, a mentor, and a true ally in the pursuit of excellence.

Because of his humility, quiet strength, and deep commitment to the industry, he positioned himself as a beacon of leadership and a dependable figure within the IMC space.

Late Ben Ilo

Honouring a Legacy of Integrity and Compassion

Throughout his career, Ilo distinguished himself with a rare blend of professionalism, calmness, and compassion.

His name became synonymous with integrity, and his presence brought comfort to many, whether in the boardroom, at industry events, or in everyday conversations.

His partnership with MARKETING EDGE went beyond transactions as it was founded on trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose.

MARKETING EDGE Expresses Profound Sorrow

Reacting to the news of his passing, Mr. John Ajayi, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of MARKETING EDGE Publications, expressed profound sorrow, capturing both the professional and emotional weight of the loss.

“At MARKETING EDGE PUBLICATIONS, we are still shell-shocked over the demise of Mr. Ben Ilo, a hardworking, dedicated, and committed pioneering staff of New Crystal Communications, a top-of-the-table out-of-home advertising company in Nigeria with branches across the African continent.

Personally, I feel terribly devastated and yet to come to grips with the reality of the fact that our friend, Ben Ilo, has exited this sinful world just at the prime.

It’s a painful and bitter reality that will take a longer time to accept and live with.

While alive on this terrestrial side, Ben Ilo was just a super professional.

Humble, humane, calm and ever willing to lend a helping hand, Ben epitomised humanity in its true form and essence.

Though death is a necessary end, this particular one came rather too early, rudely and cruelly, leaving us all in total dismay.

At this dark hour and moments, the entire staff and management of MARKETING EDGE PUBLICATIONS commiserate with our dependable and ever-loyal partner and supporter, New Crystal Communications Ltd.

We specifically share this grieving moment with all the staff and management headed by the Founder and CEO of the Group, Engineer Dr. Dozie Mbanefo. Dear friend, we are with you all at this critical moment.

It is our fervent prayer that affliction shall not visit your company and homestead again.

This dark moment will surely come to pass as we pray the good Lord to grant the gentle soul of our departed friend Ben Ilo, and the souls of all the faithful departed, eternal rest in the Lord’s bosom. Amen.

Rest on, rest well Ben. It’s goodnight and goodbye from all of us at MARKETING EDGE.”

A Gentle Giant Leaves a Lasting Impact

Indeed, the industry has lost a gentle giant, one whose impact went far beyond business metrics.

Ben Ilo was a symbol of quiet excellence and steadfast loyalty.

His work at New Crystal Communications helped shape the company into one of the continent’s most innovative and respected OOH firms.

Also, his influence extended into mentorship, advocacy, and strategic leadership within the broader IMC sector.

MARKETING EDGE Remembers a Champion of Its Vision

For the MARKETING EDGE Group, his absence is not just a professional loss but a deeply personal one.

Ilo was integral to the brand’s growth journey, always present, always willing to support, and always believing in the vision.

He embodied values that MARKETING EDGE itself holds dear such as integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to people.

Celebrating a Life That Continues to Inspire

As the industry continues to mourn, it also celebrates a life well-lived and one that inspired trust, cultivated relationships, and uplifted others.

Ben Ilo’s legacy will live on in every life he touched, every campaign he influenced, and every heart he encouraged along the way.

Adieu, dear friend. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be absent from our hearts.

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