Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the awards on September 26, 2025, at Balmora Sheraton Event Center in Lagos, emphasizing public-private sector collaboration and promoting Ekiti's potentials in tourism, agriculture, and education.

Oyebanji's speech will focus on how initiatives like ease of doing business and public-private partnerships can drive economic growth, with a special emphasis on his reintroduced farm settlement policy inspired by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The 2025 EDGE Awards, themed 'Excellence Beyond Borders,' will celebrate Nigeria's ongoing economic and political reforms, highlighting the country's sectoral growth, especially in agriculture and governance, under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

The event underscores Nigeria's dynamic market, with remarks from Ajayi pointing to increased sectoral development since Tinubu took office, particularly in agriculture and political governance.

Now in its 13th edition, the EDGE Awards is a prominent platform recognizing excellence and innovation in Nigeria's marketing and advertising landscape, featuring notable figures and celebrating outstanding campaigns and brands.

John Ajayi, CEO of Marketing Edge Magazine, emphasized that the awards theme reflects Nigeria's recent reforms, which have spurred growth and new opportunities across various sectors.

Governor Oyebanji's efforts in reviving the farm settlement policy aim to encourage youth participation in agriculture through infrastructure development, leading to increased enthusiasm and engagement in farming.

Past notable speakers at the awards include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2021, who discussed strategic thinking in uncertain times and received the Outstanding Political Brand Icon of the Year Award.

The awards serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s evolving market, emphasizing innovation, excellence, and the strategic role of marketing in national development.

The event will also promote Ekiti State as a tourism and investment destination, highlighting sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and education.

The organizer, Marketing Edge Magazine, aims to use the 2025 awards to elevate industry recognition, foster engagement, and strengthen networking among stakeholders in Nigeria’s competitive market.

The awards will feature prominent industry leaders like Dr. Lekan Fadolapo and Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, and aim to foster innovation, excellence, and strategic networking among marketing professionals.