The 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) was held in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State. The 3-day event, which commenced on Thursday, July 18, 2024, brought together many industry veterans, heads of agencies, past presidents, heads of sectoral groups, young and experienced practitioners, and notable brand journalists.
The event kicked off Thursday evening with a courtesy visit by delegates to the Alake of Egbaland, HRM Oba Adedotun Gbedebo Aremu III, at his palace in Ake.
On the morning of Friday, July 19, 2024, delegates converged at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, for the main conference. Themed “Breaking the Mould – Creativity and National Development,” the conference began with a welcome address by the AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko. This was followed by an address from the Chairman of the Conference, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, a member of the Board of Trustees and GMD of Prima Garnet, Africa.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General/CEO of ARCON, and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, whose address was read by Dr. Fadolapo.
Other industry representatives who gave goodwill remarks included:
- Mr. Femi Adelusi, Chairman, Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG)
- Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President, Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN)
- Representative of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN)
- HRH Oba Ayo Kupoluyi, representing the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN)
Past presidents in attendance were Sir Steve Omojafor, and Messrs. Funmi Onabolu, Lolu Akinwunmi, Kelechi Nwosu, Rufai Ladipo, and Mrs. Bunmi Oke.
The well-attended conference featured stellar speakers across industries, including:
- Ms. Chichi Nwoko, CEO and Founder, WHAT Media
- Mr. Femi Odugbemi, Founder/CEO, Zuri35
- Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (though absent due to an unscheduled national assignment, he sent a compelling presentation)
Later that evening, a Fireside Chat was held at the theatre hall of Park Inn by Radisson, Abeokuta, featuring Sir Steve Omojafor (OON) and Mr. Funmi Onabolu—both past presidents and members of the Board of Trustees. The engaging discussion, filled with insights and humour, reflected on the past, present, and future of advertising in Nigeria. This was followed by the Manifesto Night, where candidates for executive board positions shared their visions with members.
The third and final day featured two key segments: the Business Session and Gala/Award Night. Highlights of the Business Session included:
- Induction of four new members: Wunderman Thompson Nigeria, Ideas Origin Media, Ideazqution Consulting, and Utopia Media Limited
- Dissolution of the outgoing executive committee
- Elections and swearing-in of the new Executive Council, with all officers elected unopposed—a rare and remarkable occurrence
The Gala/Award Night commenced with the recognition of distinguished advertising professionals. Awardees included:
Legends of Advertising
- Otunba Tunde Adelaja
- Mr. Dele Adetiba
- Elder Chris Doghudje
- Mrs. Omowunmi Owodunni
- Mr. Tunde Thani
Trailblazer
- Mr. Kayode Olowu (Onewildcard)
Rising Star
- Williams Jonah (SO&U)
- Popoola Oluwatobiloba (The Hook)
A befitting buffet dinner followed, and the AGM concluded with a memorable performance by legendary music icon, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR).
