In a epochal night of glit and glamour, amidst the esteemed presence of highly distinguished assembly comprising industry legends, veterans, and marketing communication professionals, Steve Omojafor, Chairman of STB McCann and Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Ideas received the prestigious and highly coveted Iconic Awards at the Nigerian Marketing Awards, NMA.
Held at the esteemed Eko Hotel, Lagos, over the weekend, the event also celebrated exceptional accomplishments, acknowledging excellence across the expansive spectrum of the marketing communications industry.
In his welcoming address, Tony Agenmonmen, the convener of the awards, emphasized that the award stands on the pillars of integrity, credibility, and excellence. He highlighted a team of esteemed jurors led by Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, who devoted significant effort to guarantee a seamless and trustworthy process.
“We celebrate not just a night of recognition, but a collective triumph of creativity, innovation and dedication within the dynamic frame of marketing in Nigeria. Innovation and creativity stand as the cornerstone of our industry’s evolution.
“Our theme for this year, elevate, innovate and inspire encapsulate the very essence of what we as marketers try to achieve every day. It represents a call to action for the marketing industry in Nigeria to rise to new heights, embrace innovation and inspire future generations of marketers. It is a testament of our collective commitment to reaching new heights, pushing boundaries and creating lasting impression that resonates with the hearts and minds of our consumers.
“Tonight, we stand on the precipice of greatness surrounded by the best and brightest minds in the Nigeria marketing landscape. This event is not just about recognizing achievements, it is about honoring innovation that drives our industry forward”.
Iquo Ukoh, Chairperson of the Awards Decision Council, reiterated that each entry underwent thorough scrutiny with rigorous and transparent evaluation processes
“The journey to this moment has been marked by the collective efforts of our dedicated jurors. the growing interest in the awards has translated to increased responsibility for the award decision council. As the Chairperson, I can attest that our responsibility was executed with utmost judgment and integrity. Every entry underwent thorough assessment and fair judgement against the criteria established for each category by the organizers” she said.
Sir Steve Omojafor, in his remarks about the awards, acknowledged the remarkable journey of professional excellence that has garnered him numerous international and national accolades. He expressed that being honored within his home country brings him immense delight and pride.
In his advice to young professionals, Sir Steve Omojafor emphasized the need to elevate oneself from the ground level to the top tier, requiring substantial dedication and effort. He highlighted the importance of innovation, stating that it’s a crucial factor for success – emphasizing the “innovate or die” mindset.
Additionally, he urged individuals to find inspiration from their surroundings, the people they work with, and to foster creativity and innovation in their endeavors.
Similarly, Steve Babaeko, represented by Mike Miller, Executive Creative Director at X3M Ideas, expressed joy at the acknowledgment while reiterating their dedication to excellence and creativity in their endeavors.
The late renowned advertising legend, Ted Mukoro, was honored posthumously with an award in recognition of his contributions to the advertising industry.
Among the recipients of the 2023 Nigerian Marketing awards were Red Media Africa, MTN Nigeria, Palmpay, Zagg, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, 7Up, Peak Milk, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Hollandia, Life Continental Lager beer, and numerous other notable entities recognized for their achievements in various categories.
The Awards Decision Council comprised esteemed professionals within the marketing and marketing communications field. The notable members include Iquo Ukoh, Angela Ukala Makinwa, Babajide Fagade, Bunmi Oke, Professor Ogechi Adeola, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Ijedi Iyoha, Feyo Olubodun, Jane Ihekwaba, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Nsima Ogedi Alakwe, Yomi Benson, and Obinna Justin Aniche.
The event featured esteemed industry experts such as Udeme Ufot, Group Managing Director of SO&U; Seni Adetu, Managing Director of Algorithm Media; Idorenyen Enang, President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN); Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN); George Thorpe, Marketing Consultant at Market Space Nigeria; Charles O’tudur, Principal Consultant at Adstract BMC Limited, and many other notable professionals.
