In his inaugural outing at Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) as President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Lanre Adisa who is also the Chairman of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), has lauded LAIF’s remarkable journey in 19 years while unveiling plans to launch an advertising school in 2025, aimed at nurturing a new generation of creative talents.
Held at the posh The Hall Event Centre in Victoria Island, LAIF which was instituted by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), brought together Nigeria’s most dynamic creative agencies for a night of fierce competition and celebration of outstanding ideas.
In his speech, Adisa who has also worn the hat of Chairman, LAIF Management Board described LAIF as a symbol of resilience and excellence that has come to represent the pinnacle of creative recognition in Nigeria. “After 19 editions, I dare say that LAIF has come of age,” he stated. “This festival is no longer just an awards ceremony. It is a celebration of ideas, a gathering of minds, and a melting pot of inspiration.”
This year’s LAIF Awards brought together industry giants, emerging agencies, and stakeholders in what Adisa described as “a showcase of the power of creative ideas to transform businesses and shape societies.”
The event featured the introduction of a media category – a collaboration with the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN). Adisa praised MIPAN President Dozie Okafor for his vision, stating, “We are delighted to have MIPAN on board this year, and their contributions have enriched the festival significantly. This is the kind of collaboration that defines the future of our industry—working together to create a stronger, more innovative ecosystem.”
However, the highlight of Adisa’s speech was his announcement of the AAAN’s plan to establish an advertising school in 2025. “As we move towards LAIF’s 20th anniversary next year, we are also setting our sights on the future,” Adisa revealed. “This school will equip the next generation of creatives with the tools they need to succeed, bridge the gap between local and global standards, and ensure that Nigerian voices are amplified on the world stage.” The initiative reflects AAAN’s commitment to capacity building, and Adisa emphasized that the school would not only nurture talent but also reinforce the global competitiveness of Nigerian advertising.
The 2024 edition of LAIF is a reflection of the growing intensity of competition and the increasing quality of work across the board. Insight Publicis Limited emerged as the standout performer of the night, earning a staggering 327 points with 7 golds, 26 silvers, and 36 bronzes.
In second place was X3M Marketing Ideas Limited, with 174 points from 10 golds, 10 silvers, and 8 bronzes. Noah’s Ark Communications Limited claimed third place with 132 points, thanks to 3 golds, 10 silvers, and 15 bronzes, showcasing their mastery of cultural resonance and emotional storytelling.
Other top performers included Spice 360 Agency, with 5 golds and 90 points, and DDB Lagos, which secured 5 golds and 78 points. Agencies such as dentsuMcGarryBowen Limited, Ideas Origin Media, and SO & U Limited also made their mark, while Ogilvy Nigeria demonstrated consistency with 5 silvers and 5 bronzes, earning 45 points.
Adisa’s closing remarks were a rallying call to the industry. “Let LAIF remain not just a festival, but a movement—a movement that champions creativity, celebrates excellence, and inspires generations,” he said. As the industry prepares for the milestone 20th edition of LAIF next year, Adisa urged stakeholders to use the momentum generated by this year’s event to achieve even greater feats.
