The gala serves as a platform to celebrate outstanding achievements and recognise individuals and organisations that have significantly impacted the marketing communications industry in Nigeria.

Mediacraft Associates, under the leadership of John Ehiguese, has played a key role in advancing public relations practise in the region.

The agency’s dedication to fostering strategic communication, brand development, and crisis management has earned it a distinguished place in the industry.

John Ehiguese’s recognition as a legend in marketing communications underscores his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to professional development in public relations.

This recognition highlights the agency’s recent successes and emphasises the importance of effective public relations in shaping perceptions and driving success in today’s competitive market.

This award further proves Mediacraft Associates’ continuous efforts to uphold high standards and deliver exceptional client results.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognitions awarded to Mediacraft Associates, John Ehiguese emphasised that these accolades prove the agency’s dedication to implementing global best practises. He stated that the agency prides itself on providing bespoke public relations services and solutions, tailored to its diverse clientele, catering to various industries and needs.

“Since our inception as Mediacraft Associates in September 2003, we have steadily evolved into arguably the largest PR firm in Nigeria, by size, employing over 40 full-time staff members”, Ehiguese remarked.

He noted that this growth results from the collective efforts of a dedicated team, passionate about creating impactful communication strategies that resonate with clients and their audiences.

Ehiguese reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to delivering valuable solutions to clients. He highlighted that this commitment goes beyond meeting client expectations; it involves actively contributing to advancing the public relations field in Nigeria. By sharing knowledge, advocating for ethical practises, and engaging in community initiatives, Mediacraft Associates aims to elevate the industry’s standards and inspire the next generation of public relations professionals.

A relentless focus on innovation, customer service, and professional growth has characterised the agency’s journey. With a vision to remain at the forefront of the evolving PR landscape, Mediacraft Associates continues to seek opportunities that enhance its service offerings and empower clients to achieve their communication goals effectively.

Oloyede’s appointment follows an extensive selection process that considered both internal and external candidates.

Laura Oloyede has a broad and extensive integrated marketing communications experience, spanning over two decades in the industry and has held various job roles on both client and agency sides.

Her strengths include corporate communications, brand positioning, reputation management, stakeholder management, brand and marketing PR, and crisis communications management.

She holds a first degree In Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, and a post-graduate diploma in Marketing from the University of Liverpool, UK.

Oloyede has worked for, and managed, some of the leading multinational companies across different economic sectors, including Financial Services, FMCG, Oil & Gas, Automobile, Aviation, Telecoms, and Entertainment. She has led the strategic communications drive for Coca-Cola, Ford Motors, Old Mutual, Nigerian Breweries, Multichoice, Peugeot, and StarTimes, among others. Over the last decade, before this appointment, Oloyede had functioned as the spokesperson for Ford Motors in sub-Sahara Africa.

As GM/COO, Oloyede will have oversight for the brand and corporate communications, business development, and client relations activities of Mediacraft, to ensure the company achieves its business objectives.

She had functioned in a similar role at Prima Garnet Ogilvy Group where she was GM/COO of Cutler Ogilvy PR and Lampost Experiential with oversight for operational excellence and sustainable profitability. Oloyede had also served as the Vice President for Marketing and Communications for Nigeria’s first concessioned 50km Lekki-Epe Expressway.

She has led agencies’ strategic operational direction, including business development, financial management and organizational growth.

“We are quite excited that Laura has accepted this new challenge and will be joining us as we recalibrate our business to make it more nimble for our next growth phase,” Group CEO, Mediacraft Associates, John Ehiguese, said.

“Laura has extensive communications, marketing and leadership experience in the industry and has demonstrated her ability to drive business growth. We are confident that the new energy and thinking she would be bringing will help drive Mediacraft forward.”

“I am very pleased to be joining Mediacraft Associates, certainly a leader in the PR industry. The prospect of working alongside the CEO, an industry giant, and his competent and capable team truly excites me,” says Oloyede.

“Mediacraft Associates has been very successful in transforming to a full fledge integrated marketing communications company over the last few years, managing communications for some of the biggest brands in the country, including the Stanbic IBTC Group, Interswitch Group, and Olam Group. I am certainly looking forward to helping the business further strengthen its industry leadership, in line with its growth objectives”, Oloyede concluded.