Advertising agencies in Nigeria gathered in Ibadan on Saturday night to celebrate creativity and honour outstanding contributions at the Gala Night of the 52nd Annual General Meeting and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria.
The event, which rounded off a three-day congress, saw top agencies and young professionals recognised for their excellence and impact in the advertising industry, they said in a statement on Tuesday.
A key highlight of the night was the presentation of the Rising Star Award to five young advertising professionals from leading agencies. Among those honoured were Ayoade Omolola of X3M Ideas, Chidera Okpala of SO&U, and Faruq Alimi of Noah’s Ark.
They were joined by Deborah Folaranmi of Wunderman Thompson and Leah Afolabi of Leo Burnett, all recognised for their creativity, dedication, and potential to shape the future of marketing communications in Nigeria.
The gala night also featured a solemn moment as the association paid tribute to the late Suleman Omone-Ogie Momoh, a respected industry figure, who was honoured posthumously for his service and leadership. Members of the association observed a moment of silence in his memory, reflecting on his legacy and contributions to the advertising profession.
Earlier in the day, AAAN held its business session, during which eight new agencies were inducted as associate members. The new entrants, spanning traditional advertising, experiential marketing, and digital services, were formally welcomed as part of the association’s efforts to expand its membership and foster growth across the sector.
The three-day event, which began on Thursday, opened with a fireside chat featuring the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo. On Friday, delegates attended keynote sessions delivered by Managing Director of Impact Hub Lagos, Idowu Akinde, and General Manager and Head of Brand Marketing and Advertising at Airtel Nigeria, Bolanle Osotule.
Panel discussions held during the congress explored emerging trends in creativity, innovation, governance, and the evolving landscape of marketing communications in Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, AAAN President Lanre Adisa described the congress as “a time of reflection, renewal, and resolve.” He said the sessions had strengthened the association’s commitment to fostering a forward-looking, inclusive, and self-aware industry.
“We are particularly inspired by the participation of young professionals at this congress. It is essential that we continue to engage in conversations about creativity, regulation, and agency growth to keep our industry vibrant and relevant,” Adisa said.
