Makinde to open 52nd AAAN AGM as Ibadan welcomes advertising industry leaders

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, will declare open the 52nd annual general meeting (AGM) and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), scheduled to take place from July 17 to 19 in Ibadan.

The event, holding at JAGZ Hotel, is themed “Charting Bold Paths Forward,” and is expected to bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creatives to discuss the future of advertising in a fast-changing market.

The three-day gathering will begin with a courtesy visit to Senator Rasheed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland — a gesture that reflects AAAN’s tradition of honouring host communities.

The official opening on July 18 will feature key dignitaries, including Mohammed Idris Malagi, minister of information and national orientation; Hannatu Musa Musawa, minister of art, culture and the creative economy; and Lekan Fadolapo, director-general of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON).

Cherry Eromosele, executive vice-president and group chief marketing and communications officer at Interswitch Group, will deliver the keynote address, after which a panel session chaired by Tayo Oyedeji, group CEO of Insight Publicis Group Nigeria, will take place.

Confirmed speakers include Josiah Akinola of Nigerian Breweries, Bolanle Osotule of Airtel Nigeria, George Onukwu of TBWA\Concept, Oluwatobi Williams of 7even Interactive, and Adedamola Richard‑Salvador of Digisplash Limited.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lanre Adisa, AAAN President, said the theme underscores the association’s belief in courage, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership.

“This is not the time to tiptoe around the future,” Adisa said.

“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.”

The AGM will end with a business session and gala night on July 19.

The session will include leadership updates and the induction of new members, while the evening will celebrate excellence with awards and a cultural display featuring aso oke regalia.

Founded in 1973, AAAN is Nigeria’s oldest advertising industry body.

Its annual congress serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration, discuss regulatory trends, and shape the future of marketing and brand communications in the country.

This is an AI-assisted report.