Sanwo-Olu Bestowed with Outstanding Political Brand Icon

Mary Nnah

The Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was honoured with the “Outstanding Political Brand Icon of the Year” award at the just concluded 2021 National Marketing Stakeholders Summit and Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence organised by the Marketing Edge, an initiative of Nigeria’s leading industry magazine.

Over the last five decades, the marketing communications profession has evolved remarkably to become a window for the world to see the creativity that resides within them, so the evening was set aside to celebrate success, craft and achievements of marketing communications professionals who have continued to redefine space in the communication world through different media.

Everybody was enthralled by the beauty and statesmanship of the number one citizen of the state and his team as the governor was proclaimed the “Outstanding Political Brand Icon of the Year”.

Giving his keynote address, the elated Sanwo-Olu, who described himself as the Chief Marketing Officer of Lagos State, expressed gratitude to the veterans of the marketing profession whom he acknowledged have toiled to build and give relevance to reputable trade.

While reiterating his readiness to support marketing-related initiatives, which he said is not limited to the advertising sub-sector of the industry, Sanwo-Olu said his government is also committed to promoting and encouraging various specialist areas that make up marketing communications particularly the professionals because of their creativity.

Speaking further, he said: “I am not unaware that there was a time many of you needed to fly to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg before you could shoot a good TV commercial for your clients. Today, the story has changed.

“Let me assure you, it can only get better from here. The infrastructures we are creating are gradually giving you the scenic settings you require for great television commercials that can earn more prestigious laurels from across the world.”

The governor enjoined marketing communications practitioners to help tell the story of Lagos through the brands they manage.

Publisher/CEO of Marketing Edge, John Ajayi, in his speech expressed gratitude to the governor for honouring his invitation adding that, his company initiated the National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit and Brands and Advertising Awards of Excellence as a way of inspiring, exciting and igniting passion in the industry while stimulating positive and healthy competition amongst players and gladiators in the Nigerian marketing ecosystem.

Stating why his company bestowed ‘Outstanding Political Brand Icon of the Year’ on Gov. Sanwo-Olu, Ajayi said the governor was spotted to have been a shining light in the current political space in Nigeria with his giant strides in all aspects and ramifications.

“This is in recognition and celebration of his giant strides in turning around the fortunes of Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence in Nigeria; as well as his remarkable personality brand equity growth in the hotly competitive and historically intriguing Nigerian political landscape,” he noted.