Toast to Charles Chijide, marketing maverick on Birthday

By Zion Rufus

Today, we celebrate a man of exceptional character, influence, humility, and easy-going demeanor as Charles Chijide, former President of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria ( OAAN) marks another year in his remarkable journey of life. Here at MARKETING EDGE, we join in the joyous celebration of this birthday, extending our warmest wishes for continued excellence and success in all his endeavors.

Charles Chijide stands as a renowned figure in the world of marketing, a true maverick in the field, especially in the Out- of Home sector where he has impacted and imparted in several ways than one. The distinguished advertising icon who is the Group CEO of CHARELLA NIGERIA LTD, a leading outdoor advertising company brought glamour and panache to leadership in the OOH sector pan- Africa in his mid career as OAAN President. Dr. Charles Chijide’s illustrious career has seen him assume roles of great responsibility, such as his tenure as the former President of OAAN and his role as the past President of the West Africa OOH Advertising Association. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow of APCON and a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary) and Chairman, Board of Trustees of Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria.

His philanthropic efforts have touched many lives, and he stands as a valued partner and a colossus in the industry as he made the OOH a sector of envy and attraction in his presidency years.

As he ushers in a new year into his well crafted existence by providence , the MARKETING EDGE family can only join his coterie of friends and well- wishers in celebrating this iconoclast and brand enthusiast.
Commenting on the many impacts and leadership roles of the celebrant, the Publisher/CEO of MARKETING EDGE Publications,
Chief John Ajayi observed , saying, “Today marks the birthday of someone whom I deeply respect and hold in very high esteem.Everything Charles Chijide has accomplished remains etched in my memory as I reflect on my own life journey, especially how our paths crossed. In this moment of reflection, I find it impossible not to express my gratitude to God for gifting Charles to humanity. “He has consistently exhibited passion and empathy in serving God and humanity.”

“Charles is not just a philanthropist; he is a humanist whose dedication, devotion, and love for others are truly exceptional.”
He further stated that ” since our first encounter spanning over two decades, I have remained a devoted and obedient student, learning and growing as a mentee. Charles is a mentor whose affability, humility, humor, and encouragement are not only genuine but also highly infectious. He is a giver without calculation, blessed with the grace to share love unreservedly.

“Since our initial meeting and my unofficial apprenticeship under Charles, he has become a towering figure who offered me a shoulder to climb the ladder of life. For all these reasons and more, I can’t thank God enough for gifting him to us. Charles Chijide has not only touched lives but has also left a lasting impact on generations. He has been instrumental in building institutions and industries throughout his illustrious career.

“Yet, despite all these achievements, he remains unfailingly affectionate, down-to-earth, and continues to set the standard while breaking barriers. He provides hope to the hopeless, bearing witness to the complexities of human existence with remarkable endurance. Happy Birthday to Our Dear Boss, Big Brother, Friend, Mentor, and Counselor. May your special day be filled with joy and marked by a grand celebration. We wish you a long life, sir, for your 200 years on earth are but a single year! Congratulations, Sir.”