ADVAN Awards 2026 Unveils International Judges, Set to Honour CEOs of FirstBank, MTN, and Guinness

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has concluded plans to host a landmark edition of the ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence on March 28, 2026, at the renowned MUSON Centre. Commencing at 5:00 PM, the event will bring together some of Africa’s most influential marketing and business leaders for an evening dedicated to recognising achievement, sharing insights, and fostering inspiration.

This year’s awards represent a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution, as ADVAN introduces, for the first time, a panel of three distinguished international judges. This move highlights the organisation’s expanding global outlook and unwavering commitment to maintaining world-class standards. The international jury comprises Mounir Jazouli, Chief Communications and Institutional Relations Officer at Bank of Africa, Morocco; Brian Yuyi, Chief Executive Officer of the Marketing Association of South Africa; and Emmanuela Milne, Research Consultant at Revelator Research Inc., USA. Their participation marks a bold step towards elevating the awards’ credibility and international relevance.

Supporting this global panel is a distinguished line-up of local judges drawn from academia and industry, further enriching the assessment process. The local jury includes Bolajoko Nkemdinim Dixon-Ogbechi, Professor of Marketing & Decision Sciences and respected marketing consultant; Aderemi Victor Ademilua of Covenant University’s Business Management Department; Abidemi Junaid, Director & Lead, Creative Domain at Kantar; Toruka Osadunkwu, Director at Marketing Heritage Ltd; and Zion Rufus, Vice President, Communications & Events at ADMARP. This blend of regional and international expertise underscores ADVAN’s commitment to a rigorous, credible, and forward-thinking judging process.

Celebrated as a flagship event honouring creativity and impact, the ADVAN African Awards for Marketing Excellence continues to spotlight the most innovative and effective marketing campaigns and brands shaping Africa’s vibrant marketplace. This year’s edition further reinforces ADVAN’s mission to recognise strategic brilliance and forward-thinking execution across industries.

The evening will also feature a keynote address by Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of T2Mobile, who is expected to offer compelling insights into the rapidly evolving marketing landscape in Africa and the myriad opportunities for brands willing to innovate.

In addition to celebrating outstanding campaigns, ADVAN will honour three distinguished industry leaders whose contributions have significantly impacted business and leadership. Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director and CEO of First Bank of Nigeria; Girish Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria; and Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, will be recognised for their remarkable achievements, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence within their sectors.

As anticipation grows, ADVAN reaffirms its dedication to celebrating marketing excellence through a credible platform that rewards innovation, fosters industry growth, and encourages meaningful connections among professionals. The 2026 edition promises not merely awards but a dynamic convergence of ideas, influence, and opportunities for Africa’s marketing community.

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria remains the leading umbrella organisation for advertisers and marketing professionals across Nigeria and beyond.