UI Student Wins Future Brand Idol Competition
Abah Boniface from the University of Ibadan won the Future Brand Idol competition, earning N200,000 and gaining scholarship and internship opportunities. The event, which also featured the Michael Felix Nyeche Award, aimed to support and develop Nigeria’s next generation of marketing leaders.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Abah Boniface from the University of Ibadan has clinched the top prize in the Future Brand Idol competition, showcasing exceptional marketing innovation from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Boniface's winning idea earned him a cash prize of N200,000, as well as scholarship opportunities from O2 Academy Lagos and internship placements with leading PR and advertising firms.
Michael Nyeche, a noted expert in Development Communications and Social and Public Policy, expressed his support for the initiative. “I am deeply concerned about the brain drain in Nigeria. As a social and public policy professional, I understand the adverse effects this can have on our country. That’s why I’m honoured to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s next generation of marketing leaders,” Nyeche stated.
Nyeche highlighted the introduction of the Michael Felix Nyeche Award as a key component of the competition, aiming to not only reward outstanding talent but also to empower students and educators. “By introducing cash prizes and fostering innovation through the Michael Felix Nyeche Award, the goal is to reward exceptional talent and leverage innovation to impact our education ecosystem,” Nyeche added.
The founder of the Future Brand Idol competition, Ahmed Abdullahi, praised this year’s event. “This year’s competition has set a new benchmark for excellence in marketing and brand communications. The introduction of cash prizes and the Michael Felix Nyeche Award is a monumental step forward. We are thrilled to witness the level of talent and creativity Nigerian students bring to the table, and we are immensely grateful to Michael Felix Nyeche for his support,” Abdullahi said.
In the competition, Evidence Olowu of the University of Ibadan secured second place with a prize of N150,000, while Promise Olamilekan from Kwara State Polytechnic finished third, receiving N50,000.
The Future Brand Idol competition continues to inspire and support aspiring marketers, promising even greater opportunities for innovation and career development in future editions.
