Ogunjobi to Chair 2024 Industry Awards Jury as Akingbolu, Others Join Panel

The Industry Newspaper, West Africa’s premier publication dedicated to brand marketing, has unveiled the jury for the sixth edition of its annual Industry Awards, scheduled to be held in Lagos.

Leading the esteemed panel is Mr. Tolulope Ogunjobi, a celebrated broadcast journalist and Business Editor at TVC News. He will serve as Chairman of the jury for this year’s event, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious recognitions within West Africa’s brand marketing ecosystem.

Joining him on the panel are notable media professionals including Raheem Akingbolu, Senior Correspondent at ThisDay Newspaper; Afolabi Idowu, Marketing Correspondent at The Nation; Melvin Udosen, Publisher of Brandessence Magazine; Adedayo Odulaja, Secretary of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN); and Daniel Obi, Media Business Editor at BusinessDay Newspaper and current Chairman of BJAN.

According to a statement from the organisers, the award nominees were selected by the editorial team at The Industry Newspaper and submitted to the jury for rigorous evaluation. Selection is based on nominees' track records and the level of innovation demonstrated by their brands throughout 2024.

The Industry Awards recognises excellence across several categories including Champions, Pathfinders, Practitioners, Future Leaders, and Product and Service Brands. Notable distinctions include Governor of the Year, CEO of the Year, Doyen of Advertising in Africa, Business Personality of the Year, and Young Advertising Person in Africa, among others.

Goddie Ofose, Publisher of The Industry Newspaper and convener of the Awards and Summit, shared his confidence in the jury's leadership. “This jury led by Mr. Ogunjobi is very motivated to select the best and the winners would be very deserved,” he said.

“Ogunjobi’s experience and expertise in the industry alongside other members of the jury suggest that they would likely emphasize the importance of credibility, accuracy, and fairness,” Ofose added.

Ogunjobi’s professional background and prior role as Chairman of the Industry Recognition Awards Committee reinforce his capacity to lead the selection process with integrity.

The 2025 edition of the Industry Summit and Awards will be held over two days. Themed “Understanding Changing Consumer Preferences in a Troubled FMCG Space”, the event will kick off with a lecture on Friday, May 2, followed by the awards dinner on Saturday, May 3.

The keynote address will be delivered by Lampe Omoyele, Managing Director of Nitro 121, while O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the Nigerian President on Digital Media and Engagement, will serve as Special Guest of Honour.

The panel of discussants will feature Mr. Ayo Awosika, GM Commercial, UAC Foods; Mr. Remi Akanda, Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications, LAPO Microfinance Bank; Mr. Adeola Amosun, Group Media Manager, Tolaram; Mr. Gbemileke Lawal, Marketing Manager, Grand Oak Limited; and Ms. Oluseun Mudashiru, Brand Manager, Big Bull Rice, TGI Group.

Also on the panel are Mrs. Roseline Abaraonye, Chief Commercial Officer, N.N. Fems Group, and Mrs. Ifeoluwa Esther Obafemi, Head of Digital, Media & Insights (Digital Transformation) for Sub-Saharan Africa at FrieslandCampina WAMCO. The session will be moderated by Ms. Gift Uche-Ewule, Assistant Brand Manager at Indomie.