Indomie dominated the roster as the Advertisers Association of Nigeria recognised brands during the recently held 2026 African Awards for Marketing Excellence.
According to a statement, the event, which drew top marketing professionals and business executives from across the continent, celebrated brands and individuals driving innovation and contributing to economic growth, with nearly 200 entries received across multiple categories. Organisers said the introduction of an international panel of judges marked a significant step towards aligning the awards with global standards.
In his opening remarks, the President of ADVAN, Osamede Uwubanmwen, said the awards serve as more than recognition, positioning them as a platform for industry growth. He said, “These awards are not just about celebrating success; they are about encouraging continuous learning and sharing knowledge that will move our industry forward.”
Indomie dominated the night, clinching the Legacy Brand of the Year award ahead of MTN and Haier Thermocool, while also securing the Digital and Social Media Campaign of the Year award.
Terra Cube emerged as Brand of the Year, beating strong contenders including Indomie and Golden Morn. Coca-Cola won Consumer Promotion of the Year, while Three Crowns secured Experiential Campaign of the Year.
Stanbic IBTC won CSR Campaign of the Year for its impactful initiatives, with Cowbell and Hypo finishing behind.
Innovation featured prominently, with AddMe named Innovation of the Year, while Golden Terra won Best Use of Artificial Intelligence. Golden Morn also clinched the New Brand/Extension/Revitalisation category, reflecting its repositioning efforts.
In the indigenous category, Golden Morn emerged as the Indigenous Brand of the Year, ahead of Peak and AddMe. Dulux received the Judges’ Choice award, Chupa Chups won People’s Brand, Peak Milk clinched Campaign of the Year, while Morning Fresh won Public Relations Campaign of the Year.
Delivering the keynote address, Obafemi Banigbe urged brands to rethink traditional marketing strategies and embrace cultural relevance, saying, “The future of marketing is not in the boardroom alone. It is in the streets, in communities, and in culture. Brands must connect authentically with people to remain relevant.”
The event also honoured notable business leaders, including Olusegun Alebiosu, Girish Sharma, Karl Toriola, and Oladimeji Osingunwa, for their contributions to Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Arinze Nwafor is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with five years of experience reporting on Nigeria’s economy, industry, data, metro, and judiciary. He focuses on highlighting growth, policy, and market challenges shaping Africa’s largest economy. Arinze’s reporting reflects practical newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a strong commitment to accurate, informative, and audience-focused journalism.
