BJAN joins media community in mourning Marketing Edge Publisher, John Ajayi

Stanley Ihedigbo

Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) has joined the wider media and integrated marketing communications community in mourning the passing of Mr. John Ajayi, the esteemed Publisher of Marketing Edge, describing his death as a painful loss to the industry.

The news of Mr. Ajayi’s passing was announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

In a statement issued on Thursday, BJAN Chairman, Daniel Obi, described Mr. Ajayi’s death as a devastating loss not only to the media landscape but to the entire integrated marketing communications (IMC) ecosystem.

“We lost a gem both in the media industry and entrepreneurship. Mr. Ajayi was focused and ready to explore new opportunities,” Obi said.

“Late Ajayi was not only part of the pioneers of Brand journalism in Nigeria, but a mentor, and employer of labour.

The media industry will surely miss him. We pray that the Good God gives his family the fortitude and grace to bear this monumental loss,” he added.

Until his death, Mr. Ajayi was the Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, a foremost brand and marketing communications publication, that has shaped the industry for decades and distinguished himself as a visionary media leader, trailblazer, and industry reformer whose work helped define and elevate brand journalism in the country.

Through Marketing Edge, he built one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for marketing intelligence, industry reportage, brand review, and sectoral thought leadership.

He pioneered several initiatives, including the famous Marketing Edge Conferences and Award, among several other knowledge-sharing fora that have today become important reference points for stakeholders.