Mr. Babalola Ayodele Honoured with the TechQuest Strategic Leadership and Innovation Award 2023

By Emeka

Celebrating a visionary communications strategist shaping public discourse in Nigeria
The curtains have just closed on the 2023 TechQuest International Conference, and among the night’s most celebrated figures was Mr. Babalola Ayodele, a communications expert and strategic adviser whose career continues to redefine the standards of public communication and institutional engagement in Nigeria. He received the TechQuest Strategic Leadership and Innovation Award 2023 for his outstanding excellence in using strategic communication to guide institutional decisions and policy directions in the public sector.

The award, presented before a gathering of innovators, policymakers, and thought leaders, recognizes individuals whose work in leadership and innovation is transforming their fields. For Mr. Ayodele, this honor serves as both acknowledgment and encouragement—a reminder that effective communication, when guided by purpose and integrity, can influence national progress and public trust.

Mr. Ayodele’s story is that of deliberate evolution and unbroken dedication. His journey began in the newsroom, where curiosity and discipline shaped his approach to storytelling. At Aso Radio 93.5 FM, Abuja, he served as a reporter, sub-editor, and on-air personality, covering events that shaped public conversations and hosting programs that informed and inspired listeners. His natural command of the microphone and his keen sense for human stories made him stand out in the fast-paced world of broadcasting.

He later joined Africa Independent Television (AIT), where his work extended beyond presentation to content development. At AIT, he contributed to economic programming, ensuring that broadcasts carried both accuracy and context qualities that became trademarks of his professional approach.

His early years in journalism were more than a career foundation; they became a classroom in public engagement. They exposed him to the weight of words, the power of balanced narratives, and the importance of trust between institutions and the public. Those lessons would guide every stage of his later journey.

Transitioning from media to public affairs, Mr. Ayodele took on a role that would place him at the intersection of communication and governance. In the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, he worked as part of the social media team responsible for shaping narratives, countering misinformation, and amplifying government initiatives to the public. The experience not only broadened his understanding of digital strategy but also deepened his conviction that communication is most effective when grounded in authenticity and transparency.

He later rose to prominence as Head of Content at the Buhari New Media Centre (BNMC), where he led creative teams in developing multimedia campaigns and managing communications during key national programs. His leadership at BNMC was marked by consistency and innovation, ensuring that messaging remained credible and accessible to the public.

This experience paved the way for his appointment as Director of Operations and Communications at Phoenix Relations Limited, a role that tested his versatility as both a strategist and manager. There, he supervised nationwide campaigns, crafted brand communication strategies, and built strong networks between clients, stakeholders, and the media. His operational insight helped align creative direction with measurable outcomes, positioning Phoenix Relations as a trusted name in corporate and public sector communication.

In recognition of his expertise, Mr. Ayodele was later appointed Strategic Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This position represents one of the defining chapters of his career, placing him at the heart of a national institution responsible for identity management and digital transformation.

At NIMC, he leads media relations, oversees crisis communication, and designs strategies that strengthen public confidence in the Commission’s work. He also supports senior officials with speechwriting and strategic planning, helping the institution navigate the delicate space between technology, governance, and public perception.

Under his communication leadership, NIMC’s digital presence and media engagement have grown significantly, demonstrating the power of structured storytelling in advancing public sector goals.

Beyond his official duties, Mr. Ayodele has contributed his expertise to several national committees and youth-focused communication initiatives. His involvement in these programs highlights his commitment to using media as a bridge between government and citizens, especially in areas of social inclusion, policy awareness, and civic engagement.

He holds professional certifications in project management, human resource management, customer service, event management, equity research analysis, and diplomacy, credentials that underline his commitment to professional development. He is also an Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a Member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) two professional communities that have recognized his dedication to ethical communication and national development.

The TechQuest Strategic Leadership and Innovation Award 2023 came as a fitting recognition of Mr. Ayodele’s growing influence. The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate clarity, innovation, and measurable impact in leadership. In his case, it was his exceptional ability to combine diplomacy, communication, and strategy to shape institutional narratives that earned him the honor.

According to the TechQuest organizing committee, his consistent record of excellence, his leadership in public communication, and his contribution to national identity and policy communication made him stand out among several nominees across Africa. The recognition affirms his role as one of the emerging thought leaders driving transformation through strategic storytelling and policy engagement.

As the applause settled at the TechQuest International Conference 2023, the moment also marked a call to action. The event’s organizers used the occasion to encourage young professionals, innovators, and communicators to look beyond recognition and focus on creating meaningful impact.

Mr. Ayodele, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the honor and emphasized the need for collaboration across sectors. He spoke of the future of innovation in Africa, describing it as “a space that rewards courage, integrity, and ideas that improve lives.” His message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom saw in him the embodiment of what strategic leadership should represent in today’s interconnected world.

With the 2023 conference now concluded, attention turns to the next edition of the TechQuest International Conference and Awards 2024. Organizers have announced plans to expand participation, welcoming entries from emerging leaders in technology, policy, and innovation. The next edition promises to build on this year’s momentum by spotlighting individuals and organizations redefining leadership and strategy in Africa’s digital era.
For Mr. Babalola Ayodele, this recognition is more than an award it is a reaffirmation of purpose. His career continues to show that communication, when anchored on truth and vision, can shape nations, inspire trust, and drive innovation.

As the world looks ahead to TechQuest 2024, his story stands as a reminder that leadership is not only about visibility, but about the quiet, consistent effort to make information work for the people it serves.