Ogilvy Nigeria’s Jolomi Awala joins African creative leaders on digital media awards grand jury

Nigerian advertising executive and Group Creative Director at Ogilvy Nigeria, Jolomi Awala, has been appointed to the Grand Jury of the Digital Media Awards (DMA), joining leading creative and marketing professionals from across Africa to assess outstanding digital campaigns.

The appointment places Awala among influential industry figures selected to evaluate entries at the 10th anniversary edition of the awards, scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme Bold Fest.

The milestone edition celebrates a decade of digital innovation and creative excellence while highlighting Africa’s growing influence in the global advertising and digital media industry.

Awala brings nearly two decades of experience in brand development, creative leadership and campaign execution for major consumer and international businesses.

He will serve alongside other prominent African industry professionals, including Nigerian marketing strategist and Marketing Edge Divisional Director, Anietie Udoh; East African creative leader Alemu Emuron; and Yash Deb, founder of The Quollective Africa and co-founder and Creative Partner at The Bar Africa.

The jury also features creative professionals from Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and other African markets, reflecting the increasing importance of cross-border collaboration in advancing the continent’s creative industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Awala said African professionals possess the talent, cultural diversity and ingenuity to produce creative work capable of competing on the global stage.

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He stressed the importance of developing campaigns that go beyond conventional performance metrics by combining authentic human insights, cultural understanding, data and technology to build meaningful connections with audiences.

According to him, the continent’s creative industry must focus on producing work that reflects its cultural identity while embracing innovation and global standards.

His appointment comes amid growing recognition of African creative talent and the increasing role of digital platforms in shaping brand communication, consumer engagement and commercial storytelling.

The 10th anniversary of the Digital Media Awards provides an opportunity to recognise the professionals and organisations driving this transformation, while encouraging greater innovation and collaboration across Africa’s advertising and marketing ecosystem.

Awala’s participation also underscores the contribution of Nigerian creative professionals to the continent’s expanding influence in digital advertising and global brand communication.