The MARKETING EDGE 2025 National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit, scheduled for September 25, 2025, is poised to be a transformative gathering of marketing, creative, and technology leaders from across Africa and beyond. This annual industry event, renowned for its bold thought leadership, will bring together a distinguished roster of intellectuals, innovators, and visionaries to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cultural storytelling, and modern business strategies under the theme, "AI Integration: Leveraging New Technologies to Achieve Business Objectives.”
The summit promises to be a dynamic platform where the future of marketing is not only discussed but actively shaped. Far from a conventional industry event, it will serve as a crucible for ideas, uniting brand architects, creative disruptors, and business strategists to redefine how brands engage with an ever-evolving global audience.
A Visionary Gathering with Purpose
Speaking ahead of the virtual event, Publisher and CEO of MARKETING EDGE Publications, Mr. John Ajayi, said the 2025 edition of the National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit is designed to reshape industry thinking in line with emerging global trends across marketing and advertising.
According to him, the summit is not merely another gathering of professionals but a “powerhouse convergence of thought leaders, brand architects, and creative disruptors who are actively redefining the future of marketing, technology, and cultural engagement across Africa and beyond.”
Ajayi added that the organisers are delighted to host a distinguished line-up of industry giants whose perspectives will help participants anticipate and adapt to the paradigms driving new business practices and models. “We are excited to play host to these galaxy of well selected industry giants and titans who are going to reconfirm,assure and provide insights on tomorrow's market today - vis- a- vis the paradigms that are redefining our business practices and models," he noted.
The event will feature a carefully curated lineup of speakers, moderators, and panelists whose expertise spans marketing, media, technology, and cultural storytelling. Their collective insights will challenge attendees to rethink how AI and emerging technologies can drive innovation, foster authentic consumer connections, and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Keynote Speaker to Set the Stage
Leading the conversation is Baba Awopetu, Lead Strategy Consultant at Stragmar, UK. Renowned for his ability to distill complex market dynamics into clear, actionable strategies, Awopetu’s keynote address will set the tone for a day of bold ideas and transformative discussions. His global experience in driving organizational transformation will provide a foundation for exploring how AI can be harnessed to achieve strategic business goals.
Dynamic Moderators to Steer the Dialogue
The summit’s conversations will be guided by two of Nigeria’s most respected voices in advertising and strategy:
- Ozoemena “Ozone” Mbanefo, a creative strategist and cultural curator whose influence in Nigerian advertising is unmatched. Ozone’s ability to blend creativity with perspective ensures that each session will resonate with depth and clarity.
- Peter Osarimen Ukhurebor, an analytical and forward-thinking moderator whose incisive questions will distill complex ideas into practical takeaways. Together, they will ensure a vibrant, visionary dialogue that sparks inspiration and action.
A Stellar Panel of Industry Icons
The summit’s panelists represent a cross-section of expertise, each bringing unique perspectives on how AI, culture, and creativity are reshaping the marketing landscape:
- Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye-Elatuyi, a seasoned brand strategist with over 20 years of experience, will explore how purpose-driven strategies can thrive in AI-enabled environments.
- Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Country Manager at Paramount Africa, will share insights on culture-first, data-informed storytelling in media and entertainment.
- Preetesh Sewraj, a marketing futurist, will challenge attendees to reimagine consumer engagement and product innovation in a tech-driven world.
- Sam Onyemelukwe, a digital ecosystem expert, will discuss how African brands can scale authentically using technology.
- Dare Art Alade, a creative polymath, will highlight the enduring power of emotional storytelling in an AI-driven era.
- Osato Evbuomwan, a strategist attuned to Gen Z and millennial audiences, will unpack what modern consumers demand from brands.
- Femi Odugbemi, a celebrated filmmaker, will emphasize the role of cultural storytelling as a cornerstone of marketing.
- Remi Ogunpitan, with four decades in broadcast and content production, will offer wisdom on balancing innovation with tradition.
- Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), will underscore the role of marketing in shaping cultural identity and collective narratives.
Key Themes to Shape the Future
The summit will delve into critical themes shaping the marketing landscape:
- AI as a Business Driver: How companies can use AI for innovation, differentiation, and sustainable growth, beyond mere automation.
- The Rise of New Creator Value: Exploring the role of modern creatives and how marketing teams can collaborate with them effectively.
- Conception & Ideation in a Post-Traditional World: Redefining innovation in a digital-first era of co-creation.
- Cultural Storytelling Meets Data Science: Balancing emotional resonance with data-driven precision to craft compelling narratives.
A Platform for Visionaries
The MARKETING EDGE 2025 Summit is more than an event—it’s a movement. It’s where strategy meets soul, algorithms meet emotion, and leaders meet the legacies they’re building. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to engage with icons and ideators who are driving market trends, shaping cultural narratives, and pioneering the next frontier of brand growth.
Cultural Spotlight: Celebrating Ijebuland’s Heritage
Adding a cultural dimension to the summit, MARKETING EDGE will also honor the legacy of King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), the iconic King of Fuji. Known for his unique brand of Fuji music, KWAM 1 has been a cultural force in Nigeria for decades. The event will also recognize prominent figures from Ijebuland, including Chief Mrs. Olukemi Adetona, Olori of Oba Awujale; Professor Fassy Yusuff, Coordinator of the Ojude Oba Festival Planning Committee; and Chief Mrs. Bisi Osibogun, Iyalode of Ijebuland, who attended a related event, underscoring the summit’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage alongside innovation.
Join the Conversation
Set to take place on September 25, 2025, the MARKETING EDGE 2025 National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit is a must-attend for anyone looking to shape the future of marketing in Africa and beyond. Will you be part of the conversation that sets the tone for the next decade?