Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) has commiserated with Marketing Edge over the passing of its Founder and Publisher, Mr. John Ajayi.
The news of Mr. Ajayi’s passing was announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
In a statement issued on Thursday, BJAN Chairman, Daniel Obi, described Mr. Ajayi’s death as a devastating loss not only to the media landscape but to the entire integrated marketing communications (IMC) ecosystem.
“We lost a gem both in the media industry and entrepreneurship. Mr. Ajayi was focused and ready to explore new opportunities,” Obi said.
“Late Ajayi 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. We pray that the Good God gives his family the fortitude and grace to bear this monumental loss,” he added.
Until his death, Mr. Ajayi was the Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, a foremost brand and marketing communications publication, that has 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.
Through Marketing Edge, he built one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for marketing intelligence, industry reportage, brand review, and sectoral thought leadership.
He pioneered several initiatives, including the famous Marketing Edge Conferences and Award, among several other knowledge-sharing fora that have today become important reference points for stakeholders.
L-R: Kola Oluyemi, Group Head, Sterling Academy; Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University (PAU); Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank; Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head, Alumni Engagement and Support Services, EDC at PAU; and Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank at the recent MoU signing to certify graduates of Sterling Bank’s Non-Oil Export Academy.
Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy.
This strategic partnership underscores the Bank’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy by supporting non-oil export growth. This landmark agreement follows the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, designed to position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness.
The launch was preceded by a series of nationwide training programs in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminating in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.”
The initiative aims to equip exporters with practical tools to thrive in international markets, thereby reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, affirmed that the Bank is intentional about creating an ecosystem where non-oil exporters are well-informed and equipped to advance national interests.
“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,” Suleiman said.
“Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters who can collaborate to solve challenges beyond their immediate capacity. Our North Star is to reach a point where hundreds of people have completed this programme and are ready to compete on a global scale.”
Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Having spent the last twenty-three years deepening the competencies of entrepreneurs, we thoroughly understand what is needed and are excited to be part of this initiative,” she
noted.
Dr. Okekearu emphasized that the export market has been neglected for too
long. “With the right structure, standards, and mindset in place, entrepreneurs
passing through this programme will help create not only a better Nigeria but
more sustainable communities,” she added, noting that she looks forward to the case studies that will emerge from the programme’s participants.
Beyond sectoral outcomes, the initiative reinforces Sterling Bank’s commitment to support the development of human capital that positively shapes and impacts the wider economy. The Academy will run four cohorts within the year, commencing in 2026.
With this partnership, Sterling Bank and the Enterprise Development Centre are
laying the foundation for a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian
exporters, professionals equipped not only with knowledge, but with the
certification, confidence, and networks needed to scale.
As both institutions align their expertise to strengthen non-oil export capacity,
this collaboration signals a bold step toward a more resilient, inclusive, and
diversified economy.
The Non-Oil Export Academy therefore serves as a catalyst for national transformation, empowering businesses and communities to unlock Nigeria’s full potential on the world stage.
//Ends.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank Limited is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group. With a heritage of more than 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services.
Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and
Transportation. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria.
The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.
The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
NLNG has called for a new era of global collaboration to strengthen LNG supply, improve affordability for emerging markets, and safeguard energy expansion in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical fragmentation and trade uncertainty.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NLNG, Philip Mshelbila, made this call while speaking at the panel titled “Energy Expansion in a Challenging Global Trade Environment” at the World LNG Summit & Awards holding in Istanbul, Turkey.
Mshelbila emphasised that only coordinated effort across the LNG value chain can prevent a widening energy divide and keep natural gas central to a balanced, lower-carbon global future.
In his words: “In order to safeguard global energy security from the risks of geopolitics and unilateral (national and regional) policies and sanctions, LNG contracts must evolve from merely defining volume and price to actively managing sovereign risk, through diversification of supply sources, delivery routes and contract terms.”
He stated that global energy expansion will stall unless structural bottlenecks in LNG supply, pricing, financing, and decarbonisation are urgently addressed and warned of the negative implications of retaining the status quo.
While speaking on shifting trade dynamics in the industry, Mshelbila noted that the LNG market had moved from a period dominated by short-term contracting to heightened interest in long-term commitments after the 2022 supply shock, emphasising that both contract types are now in strong demand, driven by elevated global risk and uncertainty.
Addressing the broader question of how LNG can continue to meet rising global energy demand, Mshelbila stated that several foundational elements like availability, affordability, and decarbonisation must be in place.
He explained that while many still regard natural gas as a transition fuel, its relevance will extend well beyond the next few decades. For this to be realised, he said the industry must secure more supply, ensure improved affordability, and accelerate decarbonisation across the entire natural gas and LNG value chains.
Mshelbila referenced major capacity expansions in the United States and Qatar, alongside NLNG’s own Train 7 development, which will add eight million tonnes per annum of new production as examples of the supply growth needed to meet future global demand. However, he cautioned that affordability remains the most challenging dimension of LNG’s future, noting that high prices have repeatedly pushed developing markets back to coal and other cheaper but environmentally dirtier alternatives.
The World LNG Summit, now in its 25th edition, continues to serve as the industry’s foremost global gathering, bringing together policymakers, producers, buyers, financiers, and innovators to shape the future of LNG.
L-R Sulaiman ‘Bosho’ Yahaya Kannywood actor and comedian, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, Mansurah Isah, actress, filmmaker, humanitarian and social impact advocate and Ahmed Musa, Nigerian professional footballer.Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria; Sulaiman ‘Bosho’ Yahaya, Kannywood actor and comedian; Mansurah Isah, actress, filmmaker, humanitarian and social impact advocate; and Ahmed Musa, Nigerian professional footballer.
By Winifred Bosa
MILO Nigeria has welcomed a new group of influencers to strengthen its long-standing connection with consumers in Northern Nigeria.
The influencers include Ahmed Musa, Nigerian professional footballer and youth role model; Mansurah Isah, actress, filmmaker, humanitarian and social impact advocate; Ali Jita, songwriter and musician; Sulaiman Yahaya (popularly known as Bosho), Kannywood actor and comedian Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), who has renewed her contract as a member of the MILO family.
Speaking on the new partnerships, Gilbert Tweneboah-Koduah, Category Manager, Beverages, Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the brand’s commitment to inclusivity.
“This partnership reflects our dedication to ensuring that every Nigerian child experiences the nourishment, energy and possibilities that MILO represents. By working with creators who authentically reflect their communities and whose values align with ours, we are celebrating the bonds MILO has built with families across Nigeria in the most inclusive and meaningful way.”
During their induction, the influencers went on an immersive factory tour to get first hand information on MILO’s key ingredients, including cocoa, milk, and sorghum, which is 100% sourced in Northern Nigeria.
They had the opportunity to see how these ingredients are transformed into the final product through cocoa roasting, milk blending, and malt preparation.
Their reports confirmed that the visit highlighted MILO’s dedication to quality, nutrition, hygiene and food-safety standards.
Reflecting on the experience, Mansurah Isah said: “Seeing how MILO is made gave me a new level of respect for the brand. I was particularly impressed by the level of hygiene maintained throughout the process. The thoroughness, the quality checks at every stage were remarkable. It made me even prouder to take this journey with MILO.”
The signing ceremony took place at the Nestlé Head Office in iIlupeju, Lagos, where the influencers engaged with employees and shared their personal reflections on joining the MILO family. Ahmed Musa spoke about his excitement, highlighting MILO’s significant impact in communities across Northern Nigeria.
“What stands out for me is how MILO invests in young people. From sports to school activities, you see the brand’s impact everywhere. I’m excited to use my platform to inspire even more children across the North,” he said.
For Sulaiman Yahaya (Bosho), the opportunity to partner with a brand that consistently supports youth development was a key motivator. “MILO has been part of our lives for years. To now be part of this journey is something special,” he shared.
From the MILO Basketball Championship to Building Champs and other school-driven programs, MILO continues to nourish children, support communities, and inspire a generation to grow stronger through active and healthy living.
L…..R, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier,
Prepared to take off on a strong footing when it transitions to Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) next month, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS) and its French counterpart, Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFP), on Wednesday, signed a memorandum of understanding on areas of mutual interests and promotion of efficient tax administration.
Speaking at the French Embassy in Abuja where the event took place, FIRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, who signed for FIRS, said the event reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and more forward-looking tax administrations for the two countries.
The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, who signed on behalf of DGFP, emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
Adedeji, in a statement by Dare Adekanmbi, his Special Adviser on Media, listed digital transformation as one of such critical areas where Nigeria can leverage France’s advanced use of technology in compliance management, taxpayer services, and data-driven enforcement.
According to him, France will in return gain “fresh perspectives from Nigeria’s rapid digital expansion, our agile adoption of new tools, and the unique solutions we are developing for a fast-growing, technology-driven population.”
“This two-way exchange is essential as both countries adapt to emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence deployment, cybersecurity, and cross-border taxation,” Adedeji said.
Revealing that Nigeria will deliberately engage more with similar global partners, he said the partnership between France and Nigeria will enable the tax institutions to exchange ideas, share innovations, and learn from each other’s experiences.
“Another important aspect is workforce development. While we look forward to learning from France’s well-structured human capital systems, particularly in professional standards, continuous learning, and organizational discipline, we also believe that our experience in managing a young, dynamic and diverse workforce will offer valuable insights to DGFIP.
“Together, we can develop models that strengthen institutional culture, build global competencies, and prepare our respective institutions for the future of public finance administration.
“We also anticipate strong bilateral cooperation in international taxation, exchange of information, transfer pricing, and Base Erosion and Profit Shifting BEPS-related work.
“As economic activities become increasingly borderless, the ability of both our institutions to collaborate, share intelligence, and harmonise approaches will be crucial. This MoU provides exactly the platform we need to deepen that cooperation.
“As Nigeria moves into the era of the Nigerian Revenue Service, we see this partnership as a cornerstone of our transformation, one that will help us build a revenue administration that is modern, trusted, innovative, and globally connected,” the statement quoted Adedeji to have said.
By Winifred Bosa
By Winifred Bosa
