2 hours ago
23
By Merit Ibe
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) 12th edition of African Awards held recently celebrated innovation and excellence within the marketing and advertising landscape.
The event held in Lagos recognized exceptional marketing campaigns, outstanding brands and distinguished professionals within the marketing communications industry who have raised the bar of excellence with their work in 2024.
This year’s ADVAN Awards centred on the theme “Controlled Chaos: Mastering Marketing in a Hyper-Connected World,” reflects the rapidly evolving marketing landscape, where brands must navigate fragmented consumer attention, unpredictable trends and overwhelming digital content.
In his address, Osamede Uwubanmwen, President, ADVAN, emphasized significance of the milestone in the growth of the Nigerian marketing industry. “The ADVAN Awards is truly the Oscars of Marketing and it brings together the finest talent and the most innovative campaigns in the industry,” Uwubanmwen said. He also highlighted that 2025 is a pivotal year for Nigerian marketing, with opportunities to grow and innovate.
Minister, Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole noted that the awards was a powerful chance to honour outstanding excellence and leadership in the marketing and advertising sectors across Nigeria and Africa.
“The ADVAN Awards represents creativity, hard work, and the immense positive impact of strategic communications and storytelling in driving customer engagement, economic growth, and fostering industry excellence,” Oduwole stated.
She hinted on the ongoing transformation within the Nigerian economy, underscoring the critical importance of the marketing and advertising industries in driving the country’s digital transformation and economic diversification.
“As Nigeria continues its journey towards economic diversification, we see the advertising and creative sector playing a central role in fostering global competitiveness, driving job creation, and contributing to growth,” she said. Oduwole also expressed her pride in the work consistently achieved by the sector’s visionaries. “The dynamic creativity and energy of Nigeria’s brands and marketing storytellers bring forth new opportunities, and we must push forward boldly, unlocking future potential,” she added.
Ediri Ose-Ediale, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director, ADVAN, in total, over 200 entries were received for the 2025 awards, with an increase in the number of submissions from previous years, highlighting the sector’s growing vibrancy. Ediri, took the stage to reveal the categories for the awards, which included Campaign of the Year, Brand of the Year, Best Use of AI, Innovation, Future Leaders of the Year, with a special industry-specific category to support leading brands.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished audience, including top marketing professionals, government officials, industry leaders, and CEOs of companies; making it a key gathering for Africa’s marketing elite. Among the special guests was Dr Oduwole, alongside other key stakeholders who commended the ingenuity and resilience demonstrated by brands and professionals in advancing the marketing industry in Nigeria.
The rigorous selection process for the ADVAN Awards winners was overseen by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising seasoned professionals and academics with extensive expertise in marketing and communications. The panel included Prof. Bolajoko Nkemdinim Dixon-Ogbechi, Professor of Marketing & Decision Science and Head of the Department of Business Administration at the University of Lagos; Stanislaus Martins, President of the Association of Digital Marketing Professionals; Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean II at the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University; Toruka Osadunkwu, Brand and Marketing Communications Expert; Kanayo Bardi, Aigle Solutions Expert for Nigeria & Ghana at Kantar; and Saidat Lawal Mohammed, Head of Executive Education at the China/Europe International Business School.
Their collective expertise ensured that only the most deserving brands, campaigns, and professionals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Some of the biggest winners of the night included Amstel Malta, Indomie, Lush Hair, Peak Milk, Nutri Milk, Colgate, Gino, Addmie, and Nutrify, among others.
One of the highlights of the evening is the recognition in the Industry Leadership category which recognized outstanding individuals who have contributed to all round development across faucets o-f the Nigerian society.
Among awardees are Chief (Dr) Anthony Aletor, CON, mni, (JP), for Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in the Insurance Industry; Alhaji Aliko Dangote (GCON); for Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in the Oil and Gas Industry; Barr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema (CON) for Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in the Aviation Industry; Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli (OON) for Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry; Chief Diana Chen For Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in Automobile Industry, and Mr. Mudiaga Clement Enajemo For Outstanding Leadership and Economic Development in the Fashion Industry.
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