PROFILE: AKOGUN OLUGBENGA OMOLE – A GRASSROOTS CHAMPION AND STRATEGIC THINKER REDEFINING PUBLIC SERVICE

... NCC, MTN, SIFAX Group, Checkers Custard, and other leading brands and industry players honoured for excellence and consumer value

The 4th edition of the Consumers Value Award (CVA) held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, brought together regulators, industry leaders and top brands at the Radisson Blu, GRA Ikeja, for a renewed conversation on trust, digital experience and accountability in Nigeria’s marketplace. The 2025 edition, themed “Beyond Prices: Consumer Trust, Digital Experience and Brand Accountability,” explored the rapidly changing expectations of Nigerian consumers in today’s digital-driven economy.

Convener of the awards and CEO of BrandXchange Limited, Mr. Akonte Ekine, said the CVA platform has, since its inception in 2022, empowered consumers to determine which brands truly deliver value. He noted that participation continues to grow, with thousands of verified votes cast through the CVA online portal, strengthening fairness, transparency and consumer confidence.

According to him, insights from the 2025 consumer data show that 68% of Nigerians now make purchase decisions based on digital reviews, customer service responsiveness and brand reputation, signaling a shift from price-based considerations to trust-based engagement.

Ekine also announced the forthcoming 2026 Consumer Conference with the theme “Consumerism and Nation Building,” expected to convene policymakers, economists, civil society groups and industry leaders to examine the role of ethical business practices in national development. He described the CVA as a “consumer justice platform built on integrity, neutrality and fairness.”

In his goodwill message, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, commended BrandXchange for sustaining a credible and consumer-focused award system. He revealed that the NCC was voted 2nd Best Government Agency in Complaint Resolution, securing 44% of nationwide votes, which he described as a testament to the Commission’s strengthened regulatory interventions and complaint-resolution mechanisms.

Maida, who was represented at the ceremony, noted that the theme was timely as Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem transitions to a fully digital environment where transparency, data privacy and quality of service are paramount. He highlighted several NCC initiatives including mandatory operator notifications for network outages, compensation for service disruptions exceeding 24 hours, the launch of the National Coverage Maps in partnership with Ookla, and the introduction of quarterly Industry Performance Reports.

“Our goal is to empower consumers, strengthen accountability and drive a more competitive telecom sector that delivers top-quality service,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the evening was the screening of a special documentary on Sifax Group, after which a Thank You Award was presented to both Sifax Group and ARCON.

Veteran journalist Raheem Akingbolu also received the Consumerism Reporting Honour under the Sola Salako-Ajulo Award category.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Adeola Ekine expressed gratitude to God, the convener, partners, sponsors, regulators and guests for supporting a platform that places consumer voices at the centre of national discourse. She congratulated award recipients for their dedication to providing value and urged all stakeholders to continue promoting trust, fairness and service excellence. She concluded by wishing guests a safe journey and inviting them to the 5th edition.

The event was anchored by Nollywood star Adedoyin Kukoyi, while several top brands emerged winners, including MTN, LG Electronics, Reload Multivitamin, Checkers Custard, Peak Milk, NAFDAC, National Orientation Agency, Terry Cubes, Golden Terra Soya Oil, Golden Penny Flour Mills, Leadway Assurance, among others.

In a gesture widely applauded by guests, Sola Salako-Ajulo, a distinguished advocate for consumer rights in Nigeria, gifted all attendees a free copy of her book, “Protect Yourself.”