Pioneers of Digital Marketing in Nigeria: Key Figures

Last Updated on January 27, 2024

Introduction

Digital marketing is the use of digital channels to promote products and services. It has become an essential component of modern business strategy. In Nigeria, digital marketing has revolutionized the way businesses connect with customers. With a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria is a prime market for digital marketers.

This shift towards digital marketing has led to the rise of key figures in Nigeria’s digital marketing space. One of such pioneers is Gbenga Sesan.

He founded the Paradigm Initiative, a social enterprise that connects underserved youth with digital opportunities.

Another notable figure is Efe Ukala. Efe is the founder of Moboserv, a Nigerian mobile marketing agency that specializes in delivering personalized campaigns.

Nkemdilim Begho is another key figure in Nigeria’s digital marketing industry. She is the founder of FutureSoft, a digital marketing agency that offers web and mobile application development services.

Nkemdilim is a Tech Women 100 awardee and has been recognized for her contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy.

Laudable Chukwuemeka is a digital marketing expert and founder of Mediaworks Nigeria Limited, a digital marketing agency that provides a range of services including social media management, search engine optimization, and content creation.

His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars.

In essence, digital marketing has become an essential tool for businesses in Nigeria and has led to the emergence of key figures in the industry.

These pioneers have made significant contributions to the growth of digital marketing, and their impact will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Read: Skills for Aspiring Digital Marketers in Nigeria

Pioneers of Digital Marketing

In Nigeria, the digital marketing industry is on the rise, and this can be attributed to the efforts and contributions of a few individuals who have broken boundaries and set the pace for others to follow.

Below is a list of key figures in digital marketing in Nigeria and their contributions:

1. Tommy Odama: He is the CEO of OTEKBITS, a digital marketing company that provides digital solutions to businesses. He has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of digital marketing practices in Nigeria through his company, OTEKBITS.
   
   
2. Emeka Okoye: Okoye is the founder of Cymantiks Limited, a digital consultancy firm. He is a tech enthusiast and has worked on various digital projects, including developing a public transportation payment system for Lagos State.
   
   
3. Mayowa Owolabi: Owolabi is the founder of online marketing agency, Giga Lagos. He has helped several businesses in Nigeria develop their online presence and leverage digital marketing to achieve business growth.
   
   
4. Chidi Okpala: Known as ‘Pan-African Digital Thought Leader’, Okpala is the CEO of Okpalaeke LLC, a digital marketing agency. He has over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and has worked with several global companies.
   
   
5. David Olukoga: Olukoga is the CEO of Douglas Web Technologies, a digital marketing agency that offers web development, design, and digital marketing services. He has been involved in digital marketing in Nigeria for over a decade.

These key figures have played significant roles in the development and growth of the digital marketing industry in Nigeria

1. Tommy Odama, through OTEKBITS, has helped many businesses increase their revenues and maximize their digital potential.
   
   
2. Emeka Okoye, on the other hand, has been involved in developing various digital payment solutions and has contributed to the adoption of digital solutions in Nigeria.
   
   
3. Mayowa Owolabi, through Giga Lagos, has provided many businesses with the necessary tools to establish and maintain a strong online presence, enabling them to reach a wider audience.
   
   
4. Chidi Okpala, known for his innovative thinking, has helped many businesses in Nigeria develop effective digital marketing strategies that have proven to be successful.
   
   
5. David Olukoga, through Douglas Web Technologies, has assisted small and medium-sized businesses to establish an online presence and enhance their visibility.

These individuals have left a lasting impression on the digital marketing industry in Nigeria and have set standards that others strive to emulate.

the digital marketing industry in Nigeria owes much of its success to the contributions and efforts of these key figures. Their innovative thinking, dedication to the industry, and willingness to push boundaries have been instrumental in advancing the industry.

Read: Salary Insights: E-commerce & Digital Marketing in Nigeria

Nmachi Jidenma

Nmachi Jidenma, a Nigerian-American entrepreneur, investor, and writer, has made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s digital marketing growth.

She is the founder and CEO of CPAfrica, a renowned media platform showcasing the African narrative.

As a digital marketer, Jidenma has initiated impactful campaigns promoting Nigerian businesses and brands online.

Notably, she launched CPAfrica’s digital marketing division, providing affordable marketing solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria.

Jidenma leverages social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to connect with local and international businesses, influencers, and investors.

Through her online presence, she showcases the potential of Nigerian startups and entrepreneurs, facilitating funding, partnerships, and recognition.

Examples of Jidenma’s work in digital marketing include:

1. The successful launch and growth of CPAfrica’s digital marketing division
   
   
2. The creation of viral social media campaigns for Nigerian brands like Jumia, Konga, and Jobberman
   
   
3. The organization of digital marketing training programs for Nigerian youths and entrepreneurs
   
   
4. The publication of insightful articles, research papers, and reports on digital marketing trends in Nigeria and Africa

Jidenma’s endeavors have garnered attention, earning her recognition as one of the most influential Nigerians in the digital media sector.

Forbes listed her among the “30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa” in 2014, and in 2017, she was honored as one of the “100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria.”

Overall, Nmachi Jidenma is a trailblazer and pioneer of digital marketing in Nigeria. Her contributions to the industry have helped to reshape the way Nigerian businesses and brands reach their target audience online. She remains an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs and marketers in Nigeria and beyond.

Read: Growing Role of E-commerce in Nigeria’s Economy

Tomi Davies

Tomi Davies is a technology entrepreneur based in Lagos, Nigeria. As the founder of TVC Labs, he spearheads a venture studio dedicated to developing innovative tech solutions in Africa.

Being a thought leader in the African tech scene, he has made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s digital marketing growth.

Contributions to Digital Marketing in Nigeria

1. Promoting local content: Tomi Davies has been an advocate for creating content that is relevant to the local audience in Nigeria.
   
   He encourages brands to create ads that resonate with the Nigerian culture and language. This approach has been effective in creating a deep connection between brands and their target audience.
   
   
   
2. Empowering digital startups: Davies has been instrumental in supporting digital startups through mentorship and investments.
   
   He strongly believes that startups are the future of the digital economy in Nigeria and has been actively involved in creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth.
   
   
   
3. Driving the adoption of technology: With his deep understanding of technology, Tomi Davies has played a significant role in driving the adoption of digital marketing in Nigeria.
   
   He has educated businesses on the benefits of online marketing and how to leverage technology to increase sales and brand awareness.

Examples of Tomi Davies’ Work

1. Lagos Angel Network (LAN): Davies is the President of LAN, an angel investing network that connects startups with investors. Through LAN, he has invested in several startups that are disrupting the digital marketing space in Nigeria.
   
   
   
2. TechCabal: Tomi Davies is the co-founder of TechCabal, a leading technology news platform in Africa. The platform provides insightful analysis and coverage of the tech industry in Nigeria and beyond. It serves as a valuable resource for businesses looking to understand the tech landscape in Nigeria.
   
   
   
3. Village Capital: Davies is a mentor for Village Capital, a global accelerator that empowers entrepreneurs to solve real-life problems. Through Village Capital, he has mentored several startups that are now making a significant impact in the digital marketing space in Nigeria.

Tomi Davies is undoubtedly a pioneer of digital marketing in Nigeria. His contributions to the development of the digital economy in Nigeria cannot be overstated.

Through the promotion of local content, empowerment of startups, and driving technology adoption, he has established a thriving ecosystem that nurtures innovation and growth in Nigeria’s digital marketing realm.

His work serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs in Nigeria and beyond.

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Chude Jideonwo

Chude Jideonwo is a Nigerian lawyer, journalist, media entrepreneur, and one of the pioneers of digital marketing in Nigeria.

He is the co-founder of RED Media Africa and StateCraft Inc., two companies that have revolutionized digital marketing and political advertising in Nigeria.

Jideonwo’s contributions to digital marketing in Nigeria are numerous, but some of the most notable ones include:

1. Using digital media and social networking platforms to advance political campaigns in Nigeria
   
   
2. Creating and managing digital campaigns for local and international brands
   
   
3. Developing innovative ways to use digital media to mobilize social change and civic engagement
   
   
4. Advocating for the use of digital media to advance democratic processes and good governance in Nigeria and Africa

Some of the examples of Jideonwo’s work include:

1. Leading the digital media and public communication teams for Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaign in 2015, which resulted in Buhari’s victory and marked a turning point in Nigeria’s political history
   
   
2. Co-founding and managing StateCraft Inc., a company that provides political consulting and digital marketing services to political parties and candidates in Nigeria and other African countries
   
   
3. Co-authoring the book “How to Win Elections in Africa” which examines how digital and mass media can be used to win elections on the African continent
   
   
4. Creating and managing digital campaigns for international brands such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Uber in Nigeria
   
   
5. Creating and managing digital campaigns for local brands such as Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, and Nigerian Breweries
   
   
6. Co-founding and managing RED Media Africa, a company that provides media entertainment, communication, and digital marketing services to clients in Nigeria and other African countries

Jideonwo’s contributions to digital marketing in Nigeria have had a significant impact on the country’s political, economic, and social landscape.

His use of digital media to mobilize social change and promote good governance has helped to create a more informed and engaged citizenry in Nigeria. His innovative use of digital media has also helped to advance democratic processes and improve political accountability in the country.

In essence, Chude Jideonwo is one of the most influential figures in the development of digital marketing in Nigeria. His contributions to the field have revolutionized political advertising, social mobilization, and brand management in the country.

Through his innovative ideas and unwavering dedication to leveraging digital media for social change, he has become a trailblazer in Nigeria’s digital marketing landscape.

Tolu Ogunlesi

Tolu was born on October 5th, 1982, in Nigeria. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Ibadan and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom.

In 2008, Tolu commenced his journalism career at NEXT newspaper and eventually assumed the role of Features Editor at the Punch newspaper in Nigeria.

Contributions to Digital Marketing in Nigeria

1. Tolu Ogunlesi played a significant role in driving the digital transformation of the Nigerian government while serving as a Special Assistant to the President. He was responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhanced the government’s digital presence both locally and internationally.
   
   
2. He has contributed to several digital campaigns, including the #LightUpNigeria project, which aimed at promoting public accountability in the power sector. The campaign went viral and gained massive support from Nigerians on social media.
   
   
3. As a digital content creator, Tolu has written several articles on digital marketing, social media, and technology, which have been published in top Nigerian newspapers and magazines. His articles have helped many businesses and individuals in Nigeria to develop their digital marketing strategies.
   
   
4. In 2013, Tolu organized the inaugural Social Media Week Lagos, now Africa’s prominent digital media conference. The conference unites thought leaders, industry experts, and investors to explore emerging trends in digital marketing, social media, and technology.
   
   
5. He is also the founder of TheNakedConvos, a community-driven website that discusses social issues affecting Nigeria. The platform has gained considerable popularity on social media, and it regularly engages its audience through blog posts, podcasts, and interviews.

Examples of His Work

1. Tolu’s #LightUpNigeria campaign stands out as one of his notable works, urging the government to enhance the power sector. The campaign utilized social media, billboards, and digital platforms to raise awareness, garnering support from influential figures in Nigeria.
   
   
2. Tolu was also the content strategist for the Muhammadu Buhari presidential campaign team in 2015. His contribution to the campaign involved developing digital strategies that propelled its social media success, significantly influencing Buhari’s victory.
   
   
3. As a contributor to The Guardian newspaper, Tolu has written several articles on digital marketing, social media, and technology. His articles provide insights and tips on how businesses and individuals can leverage digital platforms to promote their brands and drive sales.
   
   
4. In 2014, Tolu was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine. The recognition was in response to his exceptional contributions to digital media and journalism in Nigeria.

Essentially, Tolu Ogunlesi is a pioneer of digital marketing in Nigeria, and his contributions to the industry are commendable.

Tolu’s expertise in digital content creation, social media management, and digital strategy development has aided numerous Nigerian businesses.

He remains an inspiration to young digital professionals in Nigeria, and his industry impact reverberates locally and globally.

Read: Digital Marketing Strategies Successful Nigerian Brands Use

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Conclusion

The digital marketing pioneers in Nigeria have significantly shaped the country’s digital landscape. Gbenga Sesan, Bolaji Okusaga, Tunde Kehinde, and Ercin Eksin have made remarkable contributions.

The future of digital marketing in Nigeria holds promise as businesses and individuals embrace digital strategies.

These pioneers have had a profound impact on the industry’s development, paving the way for others to follow.