X3M Ideas, SO&U, Noah’s Ark, Others Shine at AAAN Gala Night
The 52nd Annual General Meeting and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) wrapped up in Ibadan on Saturday with a memorable Gala Night that celebrated emerging talent and honored industry leaders. The three-day event combined insightful business discussions, knowledge sharing, and community building among advertising professionals.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rising Star Award to five promising young professionals from top agencies. Among those recognized were Ayoade Omolola from X3M Ideas, Chidera Okpala from SO&U, and Faruq Alimi of Noah’s Ark. Deborah Folaranmi of Wunderman Thompson and Leah Afolabi of Leo Burnett also received accolades for their creativity and dedication, signaling their potential to influence the future of Nigerian advertising.
The night also featured a heartfelt tribute to the late Suleman Omone-Ogie Momoh, who was honored posthumously for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the industry. Members observed a moment of silence to honor his legacy.
Earlier in the day, AAAN conducted its business session, which saw the induction of eight new agencies as associate members. These agencies, operating across traditional, experiential, and digital marketing spheres, were welcomed into the expanding association.
The Congress began on Thursday with an engaging fireside chat featuring Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). Friday’s agenda included keynote speeches by Idowu Akinde, Managing Director of Impact Hub Lagos, and Bolanle Osotule, General Manager of Brand Marketing at Airtel Nigeria. Panel discussions delved into topics such as innovation, governance, and the future of marketing communications.
In his closing remarks, AAAN President Lanre Adisa described the Congress as “a time of reflection, renewal, and resolve.” He emphasized that the sessions reaffirmed the association’s dedication to nurturing a progressive, inclusive, and self-aware industry. He also highlighted the importance of fostering dialogue around creativity, regulation, and agency development, especially among young professionals.