Amosun Opens 45th AAAN AGM/ Congress, Tasks Practitioners On Economic Growth

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has advised advertising practitioners on ways of growing the country's economy for their benefit and that of the country in general. The governor spoke in Abeokuta yesterday while opening of the 45th Annual General Meeting/Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). Amosun was represented at the opening ceremony by Mr. Dayo Adeneye, Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. In the opening address delivered at the ceremony, the governor urged practitioners to stick to the ethical code of the profession, especially as politics was in the air, by avoiding divisive and inciting messages. The governor noted that it was by avoiding such that the country could attract more investors and advertising agencies, more clients.

The AGM/Congress, which has as its theme, Growing the Economic Pot: The Role of Advertising, attracted the cream of the profession as well prominent personalities from other fields. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. John Mommoh, CEO, Channels Media Group, who was represented by Mr. Kingsley Uranta,an Assistant General Manager of the company. Mommoh noted that the AGM had offered the industry another opportunity to review its processes. He advised practitioners to keep track of changes in their practice so as to improve knowledge and efficiency.

Mommoh added that with new technologies, the impact of advertising was now more measurable. Leading the discussion on the keynote address was Mr. Philip Isakpa, publisher of Business AM. He was joined by Messrs. Kelechi Nwosu, Managing Director, TBWA Concepts; and Lanre Adisa, Managing Director, Noah's Ark. Adisa noted that agencies had helped brands to grow, but added that many agencies were still traditional in orientation and need to reappraise their roles for improved efficiency and respect. Nwosu observed that agencies needed to create other things to remain relevant.

The ceremony was chaired by Sir Steve Omojafor, former president of the association.