The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has commenced its 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Congress in Lagos, bringing together advertising professionals, government officials, regulators, and key stakeholders to examine the future of advertising in an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and changing consumer behaviour.
Held at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, the two-day event is themed “AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next.” Discussions centred on how agencies can adapt to emerging technologies while remaining relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving marketing communications industry.
The AGM began on Thursday with a members-only business session, featuring the President’s stewardship address and reports from various committees on the association’s activities, achievements, and future priorities.
A major highlight of the session was the induction of new member agencies, including JT Agency, Purple Stardust Limited, and Omnifique Options Limited, as part of AAAN’s efforts to expand its membership and strengthen collaboration across Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications ecosystem.
Opening the conference on Friday, AAAN President Lanre Adisa said the industry’s greatest challenge is not change itself but the inability to adapt. He urged agencies to invest in talent development and embrace emerging technologies while preserving the value of human creativity.
“The greatest challenge facing the industry is not change itself, but the risk of failing to adapt alongside it,” Adisa said, stressing the need for agencies to understand how AI can complement, rather than replace, creative thinking.
Delivering the keynote address, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Chief Executive Officer of Big Cabal Media, said artificial intelligence is transforming the advertising landscape but cannot replace human intuition, originality, cultural understanding, and creative insight. He encouraged agencies to focus on creating lasting value for clients while leveraging technology to enhance their work.
Also speaking, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Division Head, Brands and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, described the ongoing transformation as an opportunity for agencies to rethink how they create value. He noted that consumers increasingly seek relevance, authenticity, and meaningful connections with brands, adding that agencies that successfully combine data, technology, and human judgement will remain competitive.
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso described the conference theme as timely, noting that while technology continues to reshape industries, creativity remains a uniquely human advantage.
A panel discussion moderated by Oyindamola Fakile featured industry leaders from Guinness Nigeria Plc, Spice 360, Digisplash Limited, 7even Interactive, and Visa Nigeria. The panelists agreed that although AI can improve efficiency and streamline processes, strategic thinking, creativity, and human judgement remain essential for delivering impactful campaigns and building strong connections between brands and consumers.
The 53rd AAAN AGM and Congress will conclude with the AAAN Gala and Awards, where outstanding individuals and organisations will be honoured for their contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s advertising industry.
