The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria, AAAN, today kick-started its golden jubilee celebration with the unveiling of the anniversary logo. The unveiling is first in the chain of activities lined up for the year-long anniversary celebrations.
Speaking on the celebrations themed: ‘50 Years Young, Ready For More’, AAAN President, Steve Babaeko, said the association will be rolling out the drums to celebrate five decades of excellence and dedication to the Nigerian marketing communications space.
As part of the activities for the celebrations, Babaeko said AAAN will be recognising and celebrating industry icons, past and present, whose efforts have contributed to making the Nigerian creative industry a force to reckon with, local and internationally.
“This milestone marks half a century of creative excellence and dedication to the advertising industry of Nigeria, and we are proud to celebrate with the unveiling of this Logo. This logo, designed by one of our talented creative designers, Bashorun Olabayo, represents the growth and evolution of AAAN over the last 50 years. The bold and modern design represents our commitment to stay at the forefront of the industry, while the colours and imagery pay homage to our diverse culture and heritage.
“It represents our commitment to continue to provide services that will enhance development of advertising in Nigeria. This logo will serve as a symbol of our organisation’s achievements and aspirations and would be seen in all our communications.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Director General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, congratulated the association for overcoming numerous challenges over the years to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Fadolapo stated that he was a product and beneficiary of AAAN’s benevolence, having worked at the association secretariat for 25 years, during which he worked with 13 presidents of the association, before his appointment as ARCON Registrar and now the DG.
Also speaking in his goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), Prince Adedamola Docemo congratulated the Steve Babaeko-led Executive Committee of the AAAN for putting together the occasion and for the association for achieving the 50 year anniversary feat.
Prior the goodwill messages from the industry leaders, Chairman of the AAAN Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor enthralled guests with a captivating short lecture on the brief history of advertising in Nigeria. Shortly after him, past AAAN President/Past Chairman, BoT, Mr. Ayo Owoborode also took the audience on a rollercoaster ride into the history of the association from its early days as the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (AAPN) till date.
High point of the occasion was the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary logo as well as the presentation of cheque/plaque to the winner of the logo contest-Bashorun Olabayo, and the cutting of the anniversary cake by distinguished guests and members of the association.
Executive Director, AAAN, Kemi Fabusoro said activities lined up for the anniversary include a mini golf tournament for charity, a walk for life health initiative and anniversary documentary chronicling the journey of the association. The ceremony will also include an anniversary lecture, industry night and will culminate with the AAAN annual general meeting and award/gala night.
Founded in 1973 as a sectorial body in the marketing industry, AAAN boasts of industry icons such as Biodun Sobanjo, Bola Thomas, Steve Omojafor (OON), Udeme Ufot (MFR), Enyi Odigbo, Lolu Akinwunmi and many others.