AAAN Begins Conference, 53rd AGM Today As Lanre Adisa Makes Case For Traditional Advertising

As the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) kicks off its conference, 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Congress in Lagos today, Thursday, the association’s President, Mr. Lanre Adisa has urged industry players to see change as an opportunity rather than a threat.

The two-day event, holding at Providence Hotel in Ikeja GRA, carries the theme “AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next.” The theme acknowledges the sweeping changes reshaping the industry, driven by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, shifting consumer behaviour and the rise of the creator economy.

Speaking with media, Adisa who is also the founder/CEO f Noah’s Ark Communications stressed that while the industry faces milestone disruptions, the essence of advertising remains intact.

“Traditional advertising is not dead; it has evolved,” Adisa said. “The need to communicate will never change; it is only fast evolving. The question is how well we are embracing this challenge.”

He noted that technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping how agencies work, but they serve as tools that enable human creativity rather than replace it. Agencies, he argued, remain central to crafting ideas and solutions that genuinely connect with audiences.

The first day, which is today, will feature a members-only business session where the association will review its activities, committee reports, and strategic direction. The main conference, scheduled for tomorrow, will be declared open by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Also expected to attend the second day of the event are Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi and Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Other stakeholders across the marketing communications industry will also be expected to actively participate.

Keynote presentations will be delivered by Tomiwa Aladekomo, CEO of Big Cabal Media, and Dr Meksley Nwagboh, Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank. They are expected to share insights on the changing advertising landscape, brand building, and strategic communications.

The conference will address pressing issues such as the shift from interruption-based advertising to participation-led engagement, the evolution of agencies into technology-driven businesses, and the need to move beyond traditional commission models toward measurable outcomes. The event will conclude with a gala and awards night celebrating outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s advertising industry.