.He Championed Ethical Journalism, Nurtured Talents, Lagos NUJ Mourns
The Founder and Publisher of Marketing Edge, Mr. John Ajayi, has passed away, marking a major loss for Nigeria’s media and integrated marketing communications industry.
His death has thrown the sector into mourning as colleagues, brand leaders, and communication professionals reflect on his enormous contributions to brand journalism in Nigeria.
In a statement Wednesday, the Marketing Edge family described his passing as a monumental loss to the organisation and the industry at large.
Ajayi was a respected journalist, brand strategist, and visionary entrepreneur who played a central role in shaping Nigeria’s marketing communications landscape.
He built Marketing Edge into one of the country’s most authoritative platforms for marketing, advertising, PR, and branding insights.
According to the organization, for decades, Ajayi championed ethical reporting, nurtured young professionals, and amplified conversations that strengthened Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem.
His leadership, discipline and passion earned him recognition across media, corporate and agency circles.
Staff members said Ajayi would be remembered as a mentor, a builder of people, and a pioneer of brand journalism whose work transformed the sector.
Since news of his death broke, tributes have continued to pour in from industry stakeholders, partners, friends and associates who praised his humility, work ethic and dedication to elevating marketing communications in Nigeria.
Among those who expressed deep sorrow is Princess Adeola Shittu, Publisher of Event Diary Lifestyle.
In an emotional tribute, she recalled her last conversation with him:
“My Boss… I still remember when I called you last month.
You picked up and said, ‘Madam, how are you? I’m in my village enjoying my vacation.’
And I replied, ‘Okay sir, I was just checking on you.’
I didn’t know that would be the last time. My heart is heavy.”
Shittu described Ajayi as a veteran whose mentorship and guidance shaped her professional path.
She noted that his passing is “a painful blow to the media family,” adding that his legacy will continue to inspire practitioners across the industry.
Ajayi was widely regarded as a force for innovation, a promoter of industry excellence and a man devoted to the growth of marketing communications in Nigeria.
His contributions spanned journalism, talent development, industry advocacy and thought leadership.
Colleagues say his legacy—rooted in integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to advancing brand journalism—will continue to influence the sector for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council says it received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Mr John Ajayi, the respected Founder and Publisher of Marketing Edge.
In a statement signed by
Adeleye Ajayi and Tunde Olalere, chairman and secretary respectively, the Council noted that his “transition is not only a painful loss to his immediate family, friends and associates but also to the entire media and integrated marketing communications community.
“John Ajayi was a visionary media entrepreneur whose dedication, professionalism and passion for excellence helped shape the marketing communications industry in Nigeria.
“Through Marketing Edge, he championed ethical journalism, nurtured talents and created a platform that elevated industry discourse and inspired many within and outside the profession.
“The NUJ extends its heartfelt condolences to the Ajayi family, the Marketing Edge team, his friends, colleagues and loved ones.
“We pray that God grants them the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. May his legacy continue to shine through the countless lives he touched and the industry he helped transformed.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace”.
Late John Ajayi
