In honor of their decades-long contributions to the marketing communications industry, three esteemed figures have been inducted into the esteemed Brandcom Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place during the 2023 edition of the Brandcom awards at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event drew a diverse range of industry stakeholders, including Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Mr. Idorenyen Enang, President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association (EXMAN), and various other notable personalities.
The Marketing Communications luminaries, recognized for their unwavering dedication and lasting impact on the industry, are Jimi Awosika, Vice Chairman of Troyka Holdings; Wale Adenuga, Founder of Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP); and Bola Akingbade, Former Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria.
According to Joshua Ajayi, Convener of Brandcom Awards and publisher of Brand Communicator, “After the induction, the three would join the exclusive list of communication giants such as Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Group, Udeme Ufot, Group Managing Director of SO&U; Seni Adetu, former Managing Director/CEO, Guinness Nigeria and Founder/GCEO, First Primus West Africa Limited; Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, Group Managing Director, CMC Connect Burson Cohn & Wolfe; Ayo Oluwatosin, Group Managing Director, Rosabel Group, Sir Steve Omojafor, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, and others previously inducted into the Brandcom Awards Hall of Fame.”
Mr. Ajayi further explained that the Brandcom Awards, now in its fifth edition, has consistently aimed to elevate the prestige, integrity, and credibility of the marketing communications industry. He emphasized the commitment to recognizing and supporting excellence and quality performance within the industry. The awards have played a crucial role in expanding the horizons of the marketing communications sector.
Mr. Jimi Awosika, Vice Chairman of the Troyka Group, continues to be an active force in the industry, overseeing three major companies: Insight Redefini, Optimum Exposures, and Halogen Security Company, among others. His illustrious career began at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, where he served as a Sub-Editor. In 1977, he transitioned to Grant Advertising, initially as an Account Executive. Today, with over four decades of experience in advertising and marketing communications, he is celebrated as a distinguished practitioner, renowned for his work with renowned brands and his contributions to educating the next generation of industry professionals.
Bola Akingbade, recently celebrating his 70th birthday, is the former Chief Marketing Officer at MTN Nigeria. He possesses a wealth of expertise in various facets of commercial growth and the establishment of consumer goods brands. Akingbade has transformed numerous dormant brands into industry leaders. He challenges conventional frameworks and spearheaded award-winning campaigns that earned MTN numerous accolades during his tenure as CMO.
Wale Adenuga is a veteran cartoonist, producer, and entertainment entrepreneur. His widely acclaimed television station and production company, WAP, has created several beloved series including “Binta and Friends” and “Super Story,” among others. As a prominent figure in the media landscape, he has played a significant role in building numerous brands over his decades-long involvement in branding, entertainment, creativity, and media management.
The 2023 edition of the awards also recognized outstanding brands and individuals who have continued to make waves through innovative and groundbreaking initiatives. Recipients included Cway, Devin Kings, Wellness, Mouka Foam, Coca-Cola, Cowbellpedia, Multi-choice, Alat by Wema, Pepsi, Morning Fresh, Close-up, Tom Tom, Dettol, among others.
Additionally, esteemed personalities such as Emeka Okeke, CEO of Media Fuse Dentsu, Dozie Mbanefo, CEO of New Crystal Communications Ltd, Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Ideas, Otis Ojeikoha, CEO of Brands Optimal, and Gbenga and Victor Afolabi, CEOs of GDM Group, were also honored for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Brandcom Awards is an annual event that celebrates the exploits and achievements of brands, agencies, and notable players that have gone the extra mile in making great impact in the industry. The award is also designed as the most credible and prestigious platform that recognizes, and rewards inspiring agencies, brands, and individuals in the marketing and communications industry in Nigeria.
