Marketing Edge rebrands annual award, expands focus to multiple sectors

Marketing Edge, Nigeria’s marketing and advertising publication, has rebranded its annual award as the ‘Edge Awards’.

In a statement on Wednesday, the publication said the rebranding highlights its unwavering commitment to championing innovation and “excellence beyond borders and across industries and public sector governance”.

The media house also announced that the award has been patented and registered as a corporate entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“This rebranding is expected to bring a fresh identity and wider coverage as well as respectability to the signature award, which has been in existence for over a decade and widely regarded as one of the most coveted honour in the Nigerian Integrated Marketing and communications space,” the statement reads.

“The rebranded Edge Award which marks a new chapter in Marketing Edge’s creative corporate journey in its 21st year of its market leadership, remains a benchmark for celebrating excellence beyond borders.”

The magazine said the rebranding speaks to its resilience, “dodgedness and avant-garde innovation in the midst of all odds”.

Marketing Edge noted that the move marks a significant shift in the focus and scope of the annual event and a calculated effort to celebrate brands, agencies and individuals who exemplify excellence through groundbreaking ideas, impactful campaigns, and strategic vision.

‘REBRANDING ALIGNS WITH EVOLVING MARKETING LANDSCAPE’

Speaking on the development, John Ajayi, publisher and chief executive officer of Marketing Edge, said the rebranding aligns with the evolving marketing landscape where brands and marketers must remain innovative to stay relevant.

He said the term “edge” symbolises the competitive advantage and innovative strategies that industry players must possess in today’s dynamic environment.

“For over a decade, Marketing Edge has been at the forefront of celebrating marketing excellence in Nigeria,” Ajayi said.

“This year’s edition, slated for the 28th of September 2024, is therefore carefully designed to encapsulate the future of the industry, emerging trends, and the creative genius that drives the sector. It also extends coverage to other areas of economic lives as a bussinness magazine of repute and renowned pedigree.

“The renaming to Edge awards with customised plaque symbolising victory and success, perfectly aligns with the modern marketing landscape where brands, agencies and personalities need to stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant.”

Ajayi said by expanding the award categories to encompass diverse sectors such as oil and gas, ICT, insurance, air transport, politics, road transport, construction, real estate, health care, infrastructure, the event aims to recognise and celebrate excellence across a broad range of industries.

The publisher said the rebranding comes at a time the marketing industry is undergoing rapid transformation, both locally and globally.

He said the award would, therefore, serve as a beacon of possibilities in the industry, recognising the “creative efforts that push beyond boundaries”.

“As brands, agencies and personalities navigate the complexities of the Nigerian market and society, balancing traditional values with cutting-edge technology, the Edge Award will continue to offer a prestigious platform to celebrate those who successfully merge innovation with strategic, tactical and insight-driven initiatives,” he said.

“This latest move will not only reposition the award in the eyes of industry stakeholders but also emphasise Marketing Edge’s role as a thought leader in the integrated marketing communications space.”

Ajayi said the award would continue to serve as a guiding light for brands seeking to stay competitive and relevant in a marketplace that thrives on innovation and excellence.