He moved quietly, yet his footsteps echoed loudly across an entire industry.

Even in absence, his name still opens doors, sparks conversations, and stirs gratitude.

Consequently, long after the lights dimmed on his physical presence, the glow of his work continues to travel, multiplying, rippling, and shaping futures he may never physically meet.

Felicia Nwosu receiving the post-humous award presented by Ozone Mbanefo Provost 02 Academy for Lagos and Abuja, as O2 Academy honours late John Ajayi, Founder and Publisher of MARKETING EDGE.

Felicia Nwosu with Uche Ozor, the Associate Provost at 02 Academy

Indeed, this is the enduring imprint of John Olulope Ajayi, Founder and Publisher of MARKETING EDGE, a man whose life became a bridge for others and whose legacy has outlived him.

So, that legacy was formally acknowledged yesterday, when O2 Academy conferred on him a posthumous award for Outstanding Contribution to Advertising Media and Amplifying Voices in the Industry.

This according to the leading advertising school, are cognition that captured not just what he did, but who he was, and how deeply his impact ran.

An Award That Speaks Beyond the Moment

In addition, the award, presented at an O2 Academy gathering attended by industry professionals across sectors and members of the MARKETING EDGE family, stood as more than ceremonial recognition.

Also, it served as a public affirmation of a life that consistently elevated others, young and old, corporate and individual, male and female
without bias, without tribal lines, without conditions.

Felicia Nwosu receiving the post-humous award as O2 Academy honours late John Ajayi, Founder and Publisher of MARKETING EDGE.

Felicia Nwosu with Damola Richard Salvador, CEO and Lead Strategist at Digisplash, during the post-humous award as O2 Academy honours John Ajayi

By honouring John Ajayi posthumously, O2 Academy acknowledged a truth many across the marketing and communications ecosystem already knew: that his influence did not end with platforms, publications, or titles. It lived and continues to live in people.

An Innermost Member of the O2 Academy Family

While presenting the award, Ozone Mbanefo, Provost of O2 Academy, Lagos and Abuja, delivered a deeply personal tribute that revealed the depth of Ajayi’s relationship with the institution.

According to Mbanefo, John Ajayi was not merely a supporter from the sidelines, but “an innermost member of the O2 Academy family.”

From inception, he consistently amplified O2 Academy’s mission of raising talent for the advertising and marketing communications industry.

He understood the long-term value of talent development and used his platform, voice, and influence to shine a spotlight on the academy’s work.

Mbanefo emphasised that Ajayi never hesitated to step forward whenever opportunities were needed to advance O2 Academy’s objectives.

His intentional commitment, he noted, directly enabled the academy’s penetration into two universities, an achievement rooted not in obligation, but in belief.

In acknowledging his passing, Mbanefo reflected soberly that “God knows the best,” before affirming the academy’s decision to honour him with a posthumous award
recognizing John Ajayi, the CEO of MARKETING EDGE, for a lifetime of service to the industry.

A Life of Ripple and Multiplying Effects

Beyond institutions and awards, John Ajayi’s true legacy reveals itself in conversations.

Almost everywhere his name is mentioned, stories follow of encouragement freely given, of doors quietly opened, of voices amplified without expectation of return. Individuals speak of timely interventions.

Families recall moments of support. Corporations acknowledge partnerships built on integrity. Young professionals remember opportunities that shaped their careers.

He did not relate with people based on tribe, affiliation, background, or status. Instead, he met people where purpose lived.

His philosophy was simple yet powerful: excellence must be inclusive, and progress must be shared.

Through MARKETING EDGE, he set the radar and raised the bar for brand journalism in Nigeria, championing credibility, advocacy, and forward-thinking conversations.

He believed in spotlighting excellence, nurturing talent, and telling industry stories with depth and dignity. In doing so, he did not just report the industry but helped build it.

A Legacy That Refuses to Fade

The posthumous award from O2 Academy now joins a growing list of acknowledgements that affirm one central truth: John Ajayi’s life created a ripple effect that continues to multiply.

His contributions remain glaring, widely talked about, and deeply felt. They are long-lasting, futuristically relevant, and unmistakably human.

In celebrating him, the industry is not closing a chapter, instead,it is recommitting to a standard he set. A standard rooted in service, advocacy, and belief in people.

And so, even in passing, John Ajayi continues to teach, to amplify, and to lead proving that an enduring legacy is not measured by years lived, but by lives touched.