PHD Media Nigeria marked its 15th anniversary in Lagos, drawing clients, partners, industry leaders, and staff past and present to celebrate a journey that began in 2010 and has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading media and marketing communications agencies.

The weekend event brought together brand owners, media executives, members of the Omnicom Media Group regional leadership team, and the agency’s board of directors, reflecting the breadth of relationships that have shaped PHD Media Nigeria’s growth over the past decade and a half.

Guests were welcomed with red-carpet arrivals before a programme that combined keynote speeches, staff recognition, entertainment, and networking. The atmosphere reflected both celebration and reflection, as the agency looked back on its early years while setting its sights on the future.

In his address, the Managing Director of PHD Media Nigeria, Dozie Okafor, described the agency’s beginnings as ambitious but uncertain, noting that PHD Nigeria started small, without major clients or large offices, but with a strong belief in doing media differently.

“Fifteen years ago, PHD Nigeria began as an idea – an ambitious idea and, if I’m being honest, a slightly scary one,” Okafor said. “We didn’t have the biggest offices or the biggest clients, and sometimes we didn’t even have the biggest confidence. But what we had was belief.”

He said that belief was anchored in the conviction that media could be smarter, more accountable, more human, and more impactful, adding that the agency set out to focus on value creation rather than simply buying media space.

Okafor acknowledged that the journey had not been without challenges, pointing to economic downturns, market disruptions, industry reforms, lost clients, and global crises that tested the resilience of the business and its people.

“There were times when the business environment was unforgiving and when simply staying the course felt like an achievement,” he said. “But through all of this, PHD Nigeria did not lose its soul.”

A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of long-serving and outstanding staff members, underscoring the agency’s emphasis on people as its strongest asset.

Among those recognised was Cornelia Babatunde, Research and Insights Lead at PHD Media Nigeria, who was acknowledged as the company’s longest-serving employee.

Reflecting on the recognition, Babatunde described her time at the agency as a journey of growth and learning. “I am currently the only one still with the company, as others have moved on,” she told The PUNCH. “It has been a very exciting journey. It has been a journey of growth, a journey filled with challenges, and one where I have seen many amazing people walk through the doors of PHD and become part of its story.”

She said her personal growth has closely mirrored the evolution of the agency itself.

“I have grown alongside PHD Nigeria. My story is closely connected with the agency’s story, and it has been rewarding to see how both the organisation and I have evolved over the years,” Babatunde added.

Speaking on her role, she explained that the research and insights team plays a critical part in supporting client decision-making.

“I lead research and insights at PHD Media Nigeria,” she said. “My role involves providing data and consumer insights for all the brands we manage. Beyond analysing data, we focus on delivering meaningful consumer insights that help our clients make informed brand and business decisions and ultimately build their brands into what they aspire for them to be.”

Clients and partners were also acknowledged during the event, with Okafor thanking brands for trusting the agency with their businesses over the years. He described trust as a responsibility that must be earned and protected in a competitive industry.

The celebration also featured performances, DJ sessions, and informal networking before giving way to an after-party that allowed guests to relax and celebrate the milestone.

Looking ahead, Okafor said PHD Media Nigeria remains committed to intelligence-driven media, long-term thinking, and responsible leadership as it positions itself for the next phase of growth.