Thursday, June 25, 2026, was indeed a testament to professional excellence, doggedness, and impact, as renowned brand and reputation management specialist Demola Akinbola marked his 35th year of professional proficiency.
The milestone event, held at The Rotary Centre in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, brought together high-calibre figures, including corporate leaders, media executives, and social dignitaries.
The event was far more than a celebration of a stellar career; it served as a launchpad for three massive initiatives set to reshape branding and communication in Nigeria. The primary highlight of the day was the official presentation of Akinbola’s seventh book, titled “Communicating to WIN in Career & Business: Essential Tips for Effective Communication”, a timely guidebook designed for modern professionals.
The gathering also witnessed the official launch of the Nigerian Brand Academy, an innovative, free online learning and development platform for professionals. Furthermore, Akinbola unveiled a new Personal and Corporate Branding Initiative under the auspices of BrandStewards Limited, strategically designed to curate and manage personal and corporate brands as invaluable, long-standing assets.
The high-profile turnout featured warm goodwill messages and commendations from esteemed guests who took turns praising Akinbola’s contributions to the reputation management ecosystem over the past three and a half decades. Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, wife of the former Governor of Lagos State, expressed her profound admiration for Akinbola’s intellectual stamina and consistency in documenting knowledge through authorship.
Similarly, Chief Bisi Olatilo, the veteran multilingual broadcaster and media chief, recognised Akinbola’s professional accomplishments, describing the new book as a vital ingredient for success in both career and personal growth.
Other distinguished dignitaries who graced the occasion included Chief Akinsola Akinfemiwa, veteran journalist Mr. Bola Bolawole, prominent spiritual leaders, and captains of industry.
With the academy and his new book now set in motion, Akinbola has firmly cemented his legacy not only as an elite practitioner but as a committed mentor dedicated to shaping the next generation of Nigerian communication experts.
