Johnnie Walker Blue Label joins Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo to celebrate the launch of Destination Africa in Lagos
Johnnie Walker Blue Label joined Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo, Marketing Director of Eko Hotels & Suites, and more than 200 guests in Lagos to celebrate the launch of her new book, Destination Africa, an exploration of the people, cultures, places and experiences that continue to shape the African story.
The launch brought together an accomplished gathering of business leaders, public servants, diplomats, bankers, hospitality executives and cultural figures, including Chief Lai Labode, Toke Benson, Commissioner for Tourism in Lagos, and other notable guests from Nigeria’s business, public and creative communities. The room reflected the breadth of people whose work and influence continue to shape conversations around Africa and its place in the world.
Destination Africa was inspired by Dr. Iyadunni’s travels across New York and different parts of Africa, and her interest in the ways Africa is experienced and understood by audiences both on the continent and beyond it. The book also draws inspiration from the global reach of Afrobeats and its ability to introduce people around the world to African culture, stories and experiences.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Dr. Iyadunni said:
“During my travels to New York and across different African countries, I saw how Afrobeats was connecting people around the world to Africa in such a powerful way. It made me ask myself, who says we cannot connect people to Africa on a much larger scale? Destination Africa was born from that thought. I wanted to create something that brings people closer to Africa through our stories, our experiences and the richness of our continent.”
For Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the launch provided an opportunity to celebrate African excellence through Dr. Iyadunni and Destination Africa recognising an African leader using her work to share the continent’s stories, perspectives and experiences with a wider audience.
Speaking at the launch, Cynthia Ufele, Senior Brand Manager for Africa, said:
“Johnnie Walker Blue Label is proud to celebrate African excellence and the exceptional people and achievements shaping the continent. Dr. Iyadunni’s Destination Africa gives us a meaningful opportunity to recognise her work and the story she is telling about Africa. We were delighted to celebrate this important milestone with her and the accomplished guests gathered to mark the occasion.”
The evening brought the book’s central idea of connecting people to Africa into the room, with guests gathering to celebrate Dr. Iyadunni’s work and the launch of Destination Africa. Johnnie Walker Blue Label marked the occasion with a toast in her honour, raising a glass to the milestone and the story behind the book.
As part of the celebration, Dr. Iyadunni was presented with a customized Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare bottle, created specially for the occasion in recognition of the launch and her work. Guests also had the opportunity to meet Dr. Iyadunni and receive signed copies of Destination Africa, adding a personal touch to an evening centred on her story and the ideas behind the book.
The launch marks a significant moment for Destination Africa as it begins its journey beyond the page, bringing together people, perspectives and experiences that speak to the richness of the continent. For Johnnie Walker Blue Label, it was an opportunity to stand alongside Dr. Iyadunni and celebrate the people using their work to shape how Africa is seen, experienced and remembered.
About Johnnie Walker
Johnnie Walker is the world’s most iconic Scotch whisky brand, crafted in Scotland and enjoyed in more than 180 countries. Built on the founding philosophy of Keep Walking, the brand has stood for personal progress and the relentless pursuit of ambition for over 200 years. Johnnie Walker is distributed in Nigeria by Diageo and is available at premium retail and hospitality outlets nationwide.
