MARKETING EDGE Publisher marks 60th birthday with thanksgiving mass, reflects on life journey so far

By Zion Rufus

Nigeria’s esteemed publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge Publications, John Ajayi, celebrated a momentous milestone on Monday, June 12, as he marked his 60th birthday with a dual ceremony.

The first part of this special occasion was a resplendent thanksgiving mass held at the Catholic Church of Transfiguration in Arepo. The event was attended by a multitude of notable dignitaries from Nigeria’s advertising industry, including Steve Babaeko, the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies in Nigeria and CEO of X3M Ideas.

The thanksgiving mass served as a profound expression of gratitude to God for the remarkable life and accomplishments of John Ajayi.

The sacred ceremony was filled with an aura of reverence and appreciation for the blessings bestowed upon him throughout his journey. Ajayi, accompanied by his beloved family, including his wife, Mrs. Olubunmi Modupe Ajayi, and their children—Anne Oluwabukola Ajayi, Anthonia Olaide Ajayi, Patricia Olamidun Ajayi, and Teresa Folasewa Damilola Ajayi—led the congregation in celebrating the profound meaning of this milestone birthday.

As the congregation gathered in prayer, songs of gratitude resonated through the hallowed walls of the church, elevating the spirits of all those present. The atmosphere was charged with deep emotion as John Ajayi took the opportunity to reflect on his life’s journey, acknowledging the faithfulness of God and expressing profound thankfulness for the blessings bestowed upon him.

In his address during the mass, John Ajayi expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of his family, whose love and encouragement have been instrumental in his personal and professional achievements. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of his colleagues and associates, whose unwavering support has played a pivotal role in his journey.

The thanksgiving mass concluded with a resounding chorus of hymns, filling the church with a sense of jubilation and gratitude. The attendees left the ceremony with a renewed appreciation for the importance of faith, family, and the enduring power of gratitude.

As John Ajayi celebrated his 60th birthday, he did so with a profound understanding that his accomplishments and the milestones he has reached are not solely a result of his own efforts.

Through this thanksgiving mass, he humbly gave glory to God, recognizing the divine guidance and blessings that have shaped his life’s path. The celebration was a testament to the remarkable impact John Ajayi has had on the advertising industry and a reminder to all those present of the power of faith and gratitude in shaping a life well-lived.

Born on June 12, 1963, in Ijan-Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government of Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria, John Ajayi has dedicated his life to a career that brings him immense joy and fulfillment.

He embarked on his journey by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the prestigious University of Lagos. Eager to expand his knowledge and prepare for future endeavors, he pursued a postgraduate diploma in Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba. Later, he went on to earn a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Lagos.

John Ajayi’s career in journalism has been marked by his unwavering dedication, visionary mindset, and exceptional marketing and public relations acumen. He worked with renowned media organizations in Nigeria, leaving an indelible mark in the print media sector.

His expertise ranged from covering various business beats and features to serving as a State House Correspondent for THISDAY Newspapers, where he was once posted to the Governor’s office. He started his journalism journey at The News magazine and continued to Thisday newspaper, where he introduced the Media page column.

Known for his investigative journalism skills and relentless pursuit of news, John Ajayi has been recognized for delivering groundbreaking stories and exclusive reports that have elevated the standards of Nigerian journalism.

In 2003, he took a bold step by establishing his own media outfit, MARKETING EDGE Publications Ltd. Despite the risks involved, Ajayi’s vision was to promote the brand idea while expanding the frontiers of marketing and advertising knowledge within the Integrated Marketing Communications sector.

Over time, MARKETING EDGE has evolved into a multi-channel media news platform, encompassing print, online, broadcast, and out-of-home media. Additionally, the company has a subsidiary called Media Edge, which provides comprehensive marketing communications and brand management consultancy services.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of journalism, John Ajayi was inducted into the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in 2017. Furthermore, in 2022, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), along with the Lagos Chapter and Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN), honored him for his immeasurable impact on the profession.

BJAN bestowed him with the Industry Torchbearer award for his pioneering work in brand journalism, while the NUJ recognized him as one of Nigeria’s Media Icons.