John Ajayi

 

Tributes have continued to pour in for the late Founder and  Publisher, of the Marketing Edge Magazine,  John Ajayi, who passed on early this month, at the age of 62..

 

Some of the latest of those tributes came from the nation’s   Brand journalists, under the aegis of Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, and former President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Mr. Tony Agenmonmen.

 

Expressing the association’s sadness over the demise of the  Marketing Edge boss, BJAN, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Daniel Obi, describing Ajayi’s death as a monumental loss to the marketing communication ecosystem.

 

While commiserating  with the Board of the foremost marketing publication and family of the deceased, the association noted that  the unfortunate incident had dealt  a devastating  blow, not only to the nation’s media landscape, but to the entire integrated marketing communications (IMC) ecosystem.

 

“We lost a gem both in the media industry and entrepreneurship.  Ajayi was focused and ready to explore new opportunities.

 

“The deceased  was not only part of the pioneers of Brand Journalism in Nigeria, but a mentor, and employer of labour. The media industry will surely miss him,” the association   stated.

 

 

While praying for the repose of the late Marketing Edge boss, the association also asked for God’s fortitude and grace for the family to enable it bear the ‘monumental’ loss.

 

In his own tribute, former NIMN boss, Tony Agenmonmen described Ajayi as a true pioneer of brand journalism in Nigeria, a passionate  believer in and advocate for the marketing profession, and a consistent  voice for excellence.

 

“His passing is a profound loss to the marketing and communications community. He will be deeply missed, but his  legacy will endure through the standards he set and the many professionals he inspired,” he added.

 

Until his death,  Ajayi, who was recently recognised by his community with Ashiwaju of Ijanland,  founded Marketing Edge, some decades ago, and nurtured the publication into  one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for marketing intelligence, industry reportage, brand review, and sectoral thought leadership.

 

 

Born on June 12, 1963 in Ijan Ekiti, in Ekiti State,  the late Ijan Ekiti High Chief  shaped the industry for decades, and distinguished himself as a visionary media leader, trailblazer, and industry reformer, whose work helped define and elevate brand journalism in the country.

 

 

He pioneered several initiatives, including the famous Marketing Edge Conferences and Award, among several other knowledge-sharing fora that remain,  today, important reference points for stakeholders.

 

Meanwhile, the publication’s Board, on Friday, last week, announced the opening of a Condolence Register at the Oritse Office of the publication, in Ikeja, between Friday, December 12 and 24, this year, to enable friends, colleagues and acquaintances  share their heartfelt memories, tributes, and condolences.