The future of Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry was on full display over the weekend as the Brandcom Awards 2025 celebrated its most impactful young professionals. Held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos on Saturday, November 8, the ceremony saw Dolapo Samuel Olorun-nimbe, ATL Marketing Manager at itel Nigeria, recognized as one of the elite Top 35 Under 35 honorees.
The annual Brandcom 35 Under 35 list spotlights individuals under the age of 35 who are redefining brand strategy, creativity, and media execution across the nation.
Olorun-nimbe’s inclusion on the prestigious list acknowledges his significant contributions to the consumer technology sector, particularly his ability to drive brand relevance and measurable sales momentum in the highly competitive mid-tier market.
In the past year, Olorun-nimbe has been central to itel’s aggressive strategy to deepen youth affinity and market presence. His portfolio highlights include leading large-scale brand activations and securing high-profile strategic partnerships that positioned itel at the intersection of lifestyle and entertainment.
Key initiatives recognized by the industry include the negotiation and activation of headline deals with brands such as Bolt Nigeria, Silverbird Cinemas, Carry1st, and Monster Energy. These campaigns collectively delivered an impressive 18% lift in brand exposure and successfully expanded the brand’s cultural footprint nationwide.
Furthermore, Olorun-nimbe was credited for an extraordinary surge in itel Nigeria’s digital presence. Under his management, the brand’s digital community experienced a growth of 84% year-to-date, solidifying itel’s ranking among the most engaging smartphone brands in the country.
Industry analysts note that Olorun-nimbe, armed with an MBA from Nexford University, embodies the shift towards performance-driven marketing leadership. His approach is characterized by translating marketing goals into meaningful cultural connections and revenue-generating outcomes, applying a rigorous “test-and-learn” methodology to marketing execution.
While speaking about the honour, Olorun-nimbe emphasized the role of innovation and teamwork in achieving market success.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from Brandcom. It is a powerful affirmation of the bold and consumer-centric culture we cultivate at itel,” Olorun-nimbe said. “This award celebrates the collective dedication of our team to continuously innovate and ensure that quality, smart technology remains accessible to every Nigerian user.”
The Brandcom Awards, organized by Brand Communicator magazine, remains one of the most credible platforms recognizing excellence across the IMC spectrum, utilizing criteria focused on Prestige, Integrity, and Credibility to assess honorees. Olorun-nimbe’s achievement stands as a clear signal of the growing talent and innovative spirit driving the Nigerian marketing landscape forward.
