The highly anticipated 51st Annual General Meeting and elections of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) kick off today in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event opens with courtesy visits by members of the Steve Babaeko-led AAAN executive committee to the esteemed Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Aremu III, and the Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho.
This three-day gathering, set to be inaugurated by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, will also feature prominent figures including Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, alongside other dignitaries.
Under the compelling theme “Breaking the Mold: Creativity and National Development,” the event aims to spotlight how advertising practices can significantly enhance national development. It will review the association’s activities and include the election of a new executive committee to guide the AAAN’s endeavors for the next two years.
AAAN President Steve Babaeko elaborated on the AGM/Congress’s objectives, stating, “This event provides advertising professionals the opportunity to evaluate our impact and explore ways to add more value, which inspired this year’s theme. The sessions will not only focus on creativity as a catalyst for national development but also assess the association’s past year activities, the outgoing leadership’s performance, and the election of new leaders.”
Highlighting the economic influence of the advertising industry, Babaeko mentioned a recent PwC study commissioned by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and funded by industry associations. The report, unveiled last month in Lagos, values the advertising industry at a staggering N605.2 billion, underscoring its substantial contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Tomorrow, the AGM/Congress will feature a pivotal discussion session with experts from various economic sectors. Mr. Doyin Adewumi, Chairman of the Events Planning Committee, emphasized AAAN’s tradition of leveraging multi-disciplinary expertise to elevate advertising practices. He explained, “The AAAN embraces knowledge from diverse professions, which is why we have invited accomplished professionals from other fields. This approach will introduce fresh perspectives that advertising professionals can apply.”
Notable speakers at the conference include Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture; Mr. Femi Odugbemi, Founder/CEO, Zuri35 Media; Ms. Chichi Nwoko, CEO and Founder, WHAT Media; Mr. Olumide Balogun, Director, Google West Africa; and Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.
Later in the day, candidates vying for various executive committee positions will present their visions to members during the Manifesto Night.
The AGM will conclude on Saturday with a morning business session featuring the induction of new members, the dissolution of the current executive committee, and the election of a new committee. The event will culminate in a Gala/Award Night, celebrating deserving industry figures for their contributions.
