It was a night of splendour, colour and celebration on Friday, September 26, 2025, as Marketing Edge magazine hosted the 2025 edition of its flagship recognition platform, the Edge Awards, held under the captivating theme “Excellence Beyond Borders,” brought together an impressive array of business leaders, marketing icons, policymakers, and creative visionaries for an unforgettable night of recognition and inspiration.
The evening was not only a showcase of glamour but also a powerful reminder of the role creativity and innovation play in shaping industries and national economies. From the red-carpet reception to the award presentations, every detail underscored the event’s status as a premier gathering of Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications (IMC) community.
Celebrating Industry Trailblazers
In his welcome address, Chief John Ajayi, Publisher and CEO of Marketing Edge Publications Ltd., noted that the awards have become a festival of ideas, a platform where industry stakeholders gather to applaud the very best in branding, advertising and communications.
“Every year we gather to celebrate brands and advertising excellence. You always add colour and grandeur by making it a festival of brands and ideas. Without you, this event would not be as colourful and memorable,” Ajayi said, acknowledging the role of industry players in sustaining the awards’ prestige.
He described the EDGE Awards as a benchmark of achievement that inspires both emerging and established practitioners. “Awards ceremonies are a way of recognising and celebrating the achievements of others. They are a reminder that hard work, service and dedication are rewarded. They also inspire others to strive for excellence,” he added.
Ajayi further stressed the evolving relevance of the awards in a rapidly changing market landscape. “As brands, agencies and personalities navigate the complexities of the Nigerian market and society, balancing traditional values with cutting-edge technology, this year’s EDGE Awards offers a prestigious platform to celebrate those who have pushed the limits of creativity and innovation with insight-driven initiatives,” he remarked.
Governor Oyebanji Champions Marketing, Showcases Ekiti’s Vision
One of the major highlights of the evening was the keynote address delivered by the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who chaired the event. The Governor commended Marketing Edge for its leadership in spotlighting creativity and promoting excellence in the Nigerian IMC sector.
Speaking on the critical role of marketing and communications, Governor Oyebanji emphasised their contribution to national development and economic growth. He then used the platform to unveil Ekiti’s bold vision as a prime investment hub.
“Our central theme is the actualization of our Shared Prosperity Agenda. Our policy is to position Ekiti as the most preferred investment destination in Nigeria. With strategic investments in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and the knowledge economy, we are confident that Ekiti is ready to lead as an economic hub of the future,” the Governor said.
He highlighted milestones achieved by his administration, including the Ekiti International Agro-Allied Airport, ongoing road infrastructure expansion, electricity sector reforms, and the establishment of the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, a hub designed to drive Nigeria’s transition into a knowledge-based economy.
Oyebanji assured investors of a conducive business climate backed by reforms in ease of doing business, land acquisition, and tax incentives. He also paid tribute to Chief Ajayi for his vision in building Marketing Edge into a formidable platform, describing the magazine as a thought leader in the creative economy.
A Platform of Prestige and Inspiration
As award plaques and recognitions were presented to deserving brands, agencies, and personalities across multiple categories, the hall echoed with applause and admiration. The honourees represented the finest examples of creativity, service, and resilience within Nigeria’s ever-evolving marketplace.
Chief Ajayi paid glowing tribute to them, saying: “The personalities, brands, creative works and public service brands we honour here tonight have accomplished extraordinary things over the past year. Through their passion, service, dedication and perseverance, they have pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding, which is what Marketing Edge stands for.”
The 2025 edition, like previous years, reaffirmed the Edge Awards as more than a celebration of individual success. It was also a reminder that creativity, innovation, hard work, dedication and passion remain powerful drivers of growth not only for brands but also for society at large.
A Night to Remember
With industry giants networking, policymakers sharing their vision, and achievers taking the spotlight, the night captured the very essence of Excellence Beyond Borders. The 2025 Edge Awards reinforced its reputation as a beacon of recognition and inspiration in Nigeria’s IMC industry, while setting a higher benchmark for future editions.
As the lights dimmed on the colourful ceremony, one truth stood clear: in celebrating those who dream, dare, and deliver, the Edge Awards continues to inspire the pursuit of greatness across borders.
