By Governor Seyi Makinde Rapheal
The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will convene its flagship 52nd Annual General Meeting and Congress from July 17鈥19 at JAGZ Hotel, Ibadan. This year鈥檚 theme, 鈥淐harting Bold Paths Forward,鈥 reflects the industry鈥檚 shared commitment to embracing innovation, resilience, and transformative leadership in a rapidly changing environment.
The three-day gathering will feature a compelling blend of cultural heritage, strategic dialogue, and professional celebration. The first day will see delegates pay a courtesy visit to Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, a tradition that echoes AAAN鈥檚 longstanding respect for host communities and cultural roots.
The official conference will begin on July 18 and will be declared open by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. He is expected to be joined by dignitaries, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, alongside the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Lekan Fadolapo, setting the tone for high-level discourse and coordination.
A centrepiece of the day will be the keynote address from Dr Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President & Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Interswitch Group, followed by a panel discussion chaired by Dr Tayo Oyedeji, Group CEO of Insight Publicis Group Nigeria.
Confirmed panel speakers include Josiah Akinola of Nigerian Breweries PLC; Bolanle Osotule of Airtel Nigeria; George Onukwu of TBWA\Concept; Oluwatobi Williams of 7even Interactive; and Adedamola Richard鈥慡alvador of Digisplash Limited.
AAAN President Mr. Lanre Adisa noted that this year鈥檚 theme is indicative of the AAAN鈥檚 readiness to be courageous in embracing innovation and vision.
鈥淭his is not the time to tiptoe around the future. Boldness is not a buzzword but the only language the future understands. In a landscape defined by constant change, boldness is not a gamble but a strategic imperative. Those who will lead tomorrow are those willing to question today,鈥 said Adisa.
The final day of the event shifts focus to governance and celebration and will have two segments: Business Session and Gala/Award Night.