In 2015, Nigeria’s advertising landscape saw the birth of a creative agency that would go on to challenge norms and set new standards: 7even Interactive. Fast forward a decade, and this agency has become a beacon of creativity, resilience, and innovation—all traits that perfectly reflect the broader spirit of Nigeria itself.
When we talk about Nigeria, what often comes to mind is its vibrant culture, passionate people, and the undeniable can-do spirit that defines every Nigerian’s approach to challenges. 7even Interactive embodies this same spirit. In its first decade, the agency has overcome economic downturns, industry disruptions, and fierce competition to become one of the leading forces in Nigeria’s advertising world.
As we reflect on this decade-long journey, it’s clear: 7even Interactive is more than just an advertising agency. It’s a testament to what hard work, creativity, and vision can achieve.
7even Interactive: A Bold Start Amid Economic Turbulence
Founded during a period of economic uncertainty in Nigeria, 7even Interactive had everything stacked against it. The country was in the middle of an economic recession, and many businesses were cutting their marketing budgets. Yet, 7even Interactive didn’t just survive—it thrived.
In an environment where many traditional agencies were sticking to safe, conventional strategies, 7even Interactive chose to disrupt the status quo. They harnessed their market understanding and developed bold, unconventional campaigns that spoke directly to the Nigerian audience. Their goal? To prove that even in tough times, creativity could drive business results.
The ‘Upward and Forward’ Mantra: Setting the Stage for Success
From the very beginning, 7even Interactive’s founder and CEO, Taiwo Agboola, envisioned a creative agency that would challenge the norm. The agency’s guiding mantra, “Upward and Forward,” wasn’t just a slogan—it was a call to action.
This mantra became the foundation of everything 7even Interactive did. It was a constant reminder to move forward, even when faced with adversity, and always strive for progress.
“We established ourselves as the agency to beat in Nigeria in terms of quality campaigns, clientele, and human capacity development,” Agboola said. This vision hasn’t just held steady—it’s grown stronger, with the agency’s goal to triple its client base and quadruple its revenue in the next decade.
Breaking Boundaries: How 7even Interactive Shaped Nigeria’s Advertising Industry
As the agency’s reputation grew, so did its portfolio. 7even Interactive quickly earned the trust of leading Nigerian brands looking to make an impact in a crowded market. They became known as the agency clients approached when they wanted something bold, daring, and different.
One of the agency’s standout campaigns was for Fidelity Bank. The “Tough Job” campaign turned traditional banking commercials on their head, showing individuals engaged in physically demanding tasks rather than the usual bank settings. This unconventional approach highlighted the bank’s commitment to helping customers navigate difficult financial decisions. The campaign not only resonated with Nigerian consumers but also garnered widespread acclaim in the advertising world.
“It’s all about creativity,” Agboola explains. “It’s the soul of advertising. A well-crafted narrative can make a good product go viral, and even the best product can fail without creativity.”
7even Interactive’s approach to creating localized, audience-centric campaigns that speak directly to Nigerian consumers set it apart from its competitors. By focusing on what truly matters to people, they crafted messages that resonated deeply and drove engagement.
Riding the Waves: Building Client Relationships and Thriving Amidst Competition
Despite being relatively young, 7even Interactive has found a unique way to build long-term relationships with clients. Unlike many other agencies, 7even Interactive rarely needs to pitch for new business. Their reputation for delivering out-of-the-box solutions and driving results has led to a steady stream of referrals.
“When clients want something crazy—ideas that will push the boundaries of creativity—they come to us,” Agboola shared. This reputation for delivering extraordinary campaigns has positioned 7even Interactive as the go-to agency for businesses looking for game-changing advertising solutions.
Their creative approach has allowed them to compete against larger, more established agencies in the industry, proving that agility, innovation, and vision can make all the difference.
Taking Clients to the MOON: The Agency’s New Mantra
As the agency celebrated its 10th anniversary in February 2025, it unveiled its new mantra: “Taking Clients to the MOON” (Milk Opportunities Outta Nothing). This fresh approach signifies 7even Interactive’s continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in advertising and marketing.
The new mantra encapsulates their focus on helping clients achieve the impossible—taking their brands to new heights through audacious, disruptive strategies.
“We want to do more than just help brands succeed,” Agboola said. “We want to help them achieve greatness, take risks, and make a lasting impact.”
Celebrating 10 Years of Resilience and Creativity
When 7even Interactive celebrated its 10-year anniversary, it was a moment to reflect on a decade of resilience, creativity, and hard work. Agboola and his team brought together clients, industry peers, and media representatives to commemorate their journey and celebrate the agency’s growth.
As Nigeria continues to evolve, so too does 7even Interactive. In the next decade, the agency plans to further its reach beyond the Nigerian market, expanding its impact to international clients while continuing to deliver world-class creative campaigns.
The Future: A Continued Legacy of Innovation
Looking ahead, the road is promising for 7even Interactive. With their growth-focused mantra, strong leadership, and deep understanding of the Nigerian market, the agency is well-positioned to continue leading the charge in creative advertising.
The company’s track record proves that innovation and resilience are the keys to success, no matter the industry. 7even Interactive’s story is a prime example of how Nigerian creativity and determination can shape the future of marketing and communications—not just in Nigeria, but on the global stage.
Conclusion
The journey of 7even Interactive over the past decade is a testament to what can be achieved with a relentless can-do spirit and an unyielding commitment to innovation. In a country known for its challenges, 7even Interactive has shown that with creativity, resilience, and bold thinking, anything is possible.
As the agency moves into its second decade, it continues to prove that in the face of adversity, Nigerians can—and will—rise to the occasion.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
Photo credit: The Guardian
