At the 2025 Edge Awards, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, received one of the evening’s most prestigious honours – Brand Personality of the Year. Her win came on a night where MTN Nigeria itself was also honoured as Brand of the Year, a powerful reflection of the company’s market leadership and the executives driving its success. Onyinye, who has built a career spanning over 27 years across telecommunications, logistics, and education, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished marketing leaders. Prior to becoming CMO, she served as MTN Nigeria’s Chief Broadband Officer, where she played a pivotal role in the evolution of the company’s fixed broadband business, growing its subscriber base exponentially. That achievement reshaped connectivity for homes, SMEs, and enterprises nationwide, positioning MTN Nigeria as a leader in digital access.

Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management of Nigeria (ISMMN), Onyinye holds an MBA in General Management from the University of Manchester and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Cranfield University, United Kingdom. She has also undertaken executive education programmes at Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Said, and Lagos Business Schools, giving her a unique combination of global exposure and local expertise.

Her recognition at the Edge Awards reflects her ability to unite strategic foresight with people-centred leadership. Beyond her corporate role, Onyinye is a passionate advocate for women in leadership and talent development. She frequently speaks on international platforms about leadership, innovation, and technology.

Reflecting on her award, Onyinye said: “Thank you to the Marketing Edge Awards committee. This recognition is truly an honour and a reflection of the work we do daily to keep the MTN brand relevant, resonant, and purpose driven. At MTN, we don’t just market products, we build connections that matter and continue to lead with innovation, customer focus, and a deep commitment to Africa’s progress.”For MTN Nigeria, the dual honours, Brand of the Year and Brand Personality of the Year, reinforced its story of transformation from a telecom’s operator into Africa’s leading techco. And for Onyinye, her award stands as a personal affirmation of a career defined by excellence, vision, and the pursuit of progress.