The Nigerian Marketing Awards® (NMA) was established as a prestigious platform to honour the remarkable achievements of marketing professionals in Nigeria. Founded with the goal of celebrating outstanding marketing innovations, it has quickly become one of the most recognized accolades within the Nigerian marketing industry, akin to the Oscars or Grammys of the marketing world.
Inception and Milestones
The NMA was created to provide a comprehensive and credible recognition system for marketing professionals. From its inception, the awards have focused on promoting ethical practices, transparency, and integrity within the marketing field. The support and endorsements from key professional bodies like ARCON (Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria), NIMN (National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria), EXMAN (Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria), OOAN (Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria), and AAAN (Advertising Association of Nigeria) have been integral in establishing the awards as a highly credible institution.
International Accreditation
In August 2022, the Nigerian Marketing Awards® achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first marketing award in Nigeria and the West African region to receive International Accreditation. This recognition, granted by the Independent Awards Standards Council (IASC), was a testament to the award’s global standard of excellence and ethics. The NMA received the prestigious Awards Trust Mark, which solidified its place among internationally recognized awards.
Themes of the Nigerian Marketing Awards®
The awards have continuously evolved, with each edition highlighting a unique theme that reflects the dynamic nature of the marketing industry. Below are the themes from inception:
2022: “Recognizing Excellence”
The inaugural NMA celebrated outstanding marketing achievements, aiming to lay the groundwork for future editions. Founder Mr. Tony Agenmonmen emphasized that the core objective of the awards was to inspire a new generation of marketing leaders, encouraging them to tap into their unique power and potential.
2023: “Elevate | Innovate | Inspire”
The 2023 edition called on marketers to elevate their work, innovate beyond conventional strategies, and inspire transformative change in the industry. This theme encouraged creative disruption and bold new approaches to marketing.
2024: “Ignite”
The 2024 theme is a call to action for marketers to ignite creativity, innovation, and transformation in their work. It reflects the need for marketers to spark change, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of the marketing profession. The Award ceremony is billed to hold on the 24th of November, 2024 at The Jewel Aeida, Plot 105B Hakeem Dickson, Link Road, Lekki, Lagos.
Key Figures and Advisory Board
The Nigerian Marketing Awards® has attracted notable figures from the Nigerian and global marketing landscape. The Advisory Board includes industry leaders such as Prince Yemisi Shyllon, philanthropist and art collector; Mr. George Thorpe, founder of MediaReach, and Alhaji Garba Bello Kankarofi, former regulator for APCON. Their involvement lends credibility to the awards, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and governance.
Award Categories
The NMA recognizes achievements across 32 categories, covering diverse aspects of marketing such as Brand Development, Digital Marketing, Campaign of the Year, Experiential Marketing, Public Relations, and Advertising Excellence. These categories provide a comprehensive celebration of the diverse facets of marketing, ensuring that various subfields are recognized and rewarded.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the Nigerian Marketing Awards® continues to grow and expand. With its international accreditation and strong relationships with key industry stakeholders, the NMA is well-positioned to become a leading voice in marketing awards across Africa. As the awards continue to evolve, they aim to set new benchmarks for marketing excellence, innovation, and ethical standards.
