Yinka Adebayo bags Creative and Branding Icon Award 2025
By Amechi Obiakpu
Seasoned marketing specialist and thought leader, Yinka Adebayo, has bagged the maiden Creative and Branding Icon Award (CBIA).
Adebayo, who is the Group Executive Director, Omnicom Media Group, was honoured for his contribution towards the growth of the creative and marketing industry.
He was honoured among over 30 individuals from the creative and allied industry, whose body of work have shaped the marketing communications industry making it as vibrant and attractive as it is today.
Held on Thursday, December 18 at Ikeja, CBIA, according to the organiser, was designed to spotlight individuals; the creatives, strategists, innovators, and brand custodians whose efforts deserve to be celebrated in their own right.
Lukman Ishau, Convener and Publisher, Marketing Space, organiser, CBIA says, the platform was conceived as a platform to honour the thinkers and builders behind the scenes, those who challenge norms, invent new paths, inspire culture, and shape narratives that stand the test of time.
“Their behind-the-curtain dedication is the foundation upon which great brands are built, and today we proudly bring their contributions to the forefront.”
Speaking during his keynote address, he said, with deep cultural understanding and innovative thinking, the awardees have produced campaigns that resonate across diverse audiences. Their ability to turn local insights into powerful brand narratives have set new standards within the industry.
“These professionals have also been instrumental in projecting Nigeria’s identity through creativity. By telling authentic Nigerian stories, they have strengthened brand trust and showcased the nation’s richness and resilience. Their work have elevated both indigenous and multinational,” Ishau said.
With over 30 years of experience in marketing communications, with particular interest in media investment, Yinka Adebayo’s imprint is evidence in several brands he has associated with.
His career reflects a blend of strategic insight, creative execution, and leadership that has shaped some of Nigeria’s most notable brand campaigns.
“What gets rewarded gets done,” Adebayo said in his acceptance speech. He noted that the award was a challenge for the award recipients including him to do well and much more.
“I use this opportunity to throw challenge to the fellow awardees to do more. The reward for hardwork is more work” and so I can only commit to doing much more for the improvement of the industry, he said.
*Photo shows Yinka Adebayo
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