The Nigerian advertising industry came alive on Saturday night as leading agencies, industry veterans, and young professionals gathered in Ibadan for the Gala Night of the 52nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). The star-studded event, which marked the conclusion of a three-day congress, celebrated creativity, innovation, and the outstanding contributions of professionals shaping the future of marketing communications in Nigeria.
One of the key highlights of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Rising Star Award to five young professionals who have shown exceptional creativity and potential in the advertising sector. The honourees included Ayoade Omolola of X3M Ideas, Chidera Okpala of SO&U, Faruq Alimi of Noah’s Ark, Deborah Folaranmi of Wunderman Thompson, and Leah Afolabi of Leo Burnett.
According to the AAAN, the award is designed to spotlight the next generation of creative leaders who are expected to drive innovation and keep Nigeria’s advertising industry globally competitive.
The evening also had a solemn tone as the association paid tribute to the late Suleman Omone-Ogie Momoh, a respected industry icon celebrated for his leadership and contributions to advertising in Nigeria. Members observed a moment of silence in his honour, with AAAN President Lanre Adisa describing Momoh as “a mentor whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of advertising professionals.”
Earlier in the day, the association inducted eight new agencies as associate members, expanding its network and strengthening its presence in key areas of traditional advertising, experiential marketing, and digital services. This induction forms part of AAAN’s strategic goal to foster collaboration and growth across the industry.
The three-day congress, which kicked off on Thursday, featured panel discussions, fireside chats, and keynote addresses from notable industry leaders.
Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), opened the congress with a keynote on the future of advertising regulation.
Idowu Akinde, Managing Director of Impact Hub Lagos, and Bolanle Osotule, GM and Head of Brand Marketing & Advertising at Airtel Nigeria, led insightful sessions on creativity, brand innovation, and navigating digital transformation in marketing communications.
Panel discussions explored emerging trends in creativity, governance, and consumer engagement, highlighting how agencies must adapt to evolving consumer behaviour and the rapid growth of digital platforms.
In his closing remarks, AAAN President Lanre Adisa described the congress as “a time of reflection, renewal, and resolve,” stressing the need for continued collaboration, mentorship, and regulatory compliance to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
“We are inspired by the energy and creativity displayed by young professionals at this congress. This is proof that the future of Nigerian advertising is in capable hands,” Adisa said.
With a renewed commitment to innovation, AAAN says it will continue to invest in capacity building, advocate for global best practices, and support policies that enable Nigerian advertising to compete favourably on the international stage.