Category: PM News

The 53rd Annual General Meeting and Congress of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) came to a close in Lagos on Friday with a Gala and Awards Night that celebrated excellence, recognised outstanding contributions, and reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to shaping the future of advertising.

The two-day gathering brought together advertising professionals, regulators, business leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders for conversations around the future of the industry under the theme, ‘AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next.’

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Rising Stars Awards to four young professionals recognised for their creativity, innovation, and growing impact on the industry. The recipients were Tobi Adesina of Insight Publicis, Fuad Balogun of Noah’s Ark Communications, Anita Adekunle of Playhouse Communications, and Olugbenga Jacobs of Ogilvy.

The Association also honoured the late Mrs. Yinka Ogunde with a Posthumous Award in recognition of her enduring contributions to Nigeria’s advertising industry and the legacy she left behind.

A Recognition Award was presented to Mr. Kelechi Nwosu for his outstanding contributions to the growth and advancement of the advertising profession.

The AGM/Congress which kicked off on Thursday featured a business session during which reports from the secretariat and various committees were shared, and new agencies were inducted into the association: JT Agency as a Full Member, and Purple Stardust Limited and Omnifique Options Limited as Associate Members.

On Friday, the conference featured keynote presentations by Tomiwa Aladekomo, Chief Executive Officer of Big Cabal Media, and Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Chief Marketing Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, who challenged agencies to embrace technological change while preserving the creativity, strategic thinking, and human insight that define impactful advertising. The programme also featured a panel discussion exploring the evolving business models agencies need to remain competitive in an AI-driven landscape.

In his closing remarks, AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, described the congress as a defining moment for the industry, noting that the conversations throughout the event reinforced the need for agencies to embrace innovation while remaining true to the creativity and human understanding that have always driven effective advertising. He urged practitioners to see the industry’s evolution as an opportunity to create greater value for brands, consumers, and the wider economy.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned that the commission’s dependence on budget approvals from other institutions could undermine its ability to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

Amupitan said INEC could not attain genuine independence without financial autonomy, arguing that the current funding arrangement remained a major limitation on its operations and could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

He spoke on Thursday while delivering a keynote address at the public presentation of Shadows: Protest Essays on Africa’s Most Consequential Country (1999-2023), written by THISDAY Managing Director Eniola Bello, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

‘Can INEC truly be independent without financial autonomy? If we are serious about strengthening our institutions and conducting free, fair and credible elections, then financial autonomy is essential,’ Amupitan said.

The INEC chairman explained that although the Constitution provides for the commission’s funding through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the provision does not guarantee genuine financial independence because INEC remains subject to the regular appropriation process.

‘The Constitution places INEC’s funding on the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and many believe that is sufficient.

‘However, experience has shown that as long as INEC remains subject to the normal appropriation process and depends on budgetary approvals by other institutions, genuine financial independence remains difficult,’ he said.

Amupitan said INEC’s responsibilities extend beyond conducting elections, noting that the commission also oversees voter registration, the registration and monitoring of political parties and the maintenance of the national register of voters.

He added that INEC conducts federal and state elections and supports local government elections in certain respects, making greater operational and financial autonomy essential to the effective discharge of its mandate.

‘For these reasons, there is a strong case for giving INEC greater operational and financial autonomy to improve efficiency and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,’ he said.

Amupitan, however, stressed that the responsibility for credible elections does not rest solely with INEC. He identified political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens as critical players in Nigeria’s democratic process.

‘When we talk about strengthening institutions, there are several institutions involved in the conduct of elections.

‘Most times, people think only of the Independent National Electoral Commission, but beyond INEC, we also have the media, the security agencies, civil society organisations and, indeed, the Nigerian people.

‘The health of our democracy is reflected in the strength of this wider institutional framework,’ he said.

The INEC chairman called for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 general elections are peaceful, free, fair and credible.

‘Therefore, if we truly want the 2027 elections to be free, fair, credible and peaceful, all these institutions must work together,’ Amupitan added.

Addressing concerns over the appointment of INEC’s leadership, Amupitan said the Constitution contains safeguards requiring the President to appoint the commission’s chairman and national commissioners in consultation with the Council of State and subject to confirmation by the Senate.

He noted, however, that the effectiveness of constitutional and legal safeguards often depends on the conduct of those entrusted with implementing them.

‘Sometimes, however, the issue is not the law itself but those who operate it,’ he said.

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has urged industry players to embrace artificial intelligence and innovation, insisting technology will redefine, not replace, the future of advertising.

The call was made at the opening of the association’s 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Congress in Lagos, where advertising professionals, regulators, government representatives and marketing communications stakeholders gathered to discuss the future of the industry amid rapid technological change.

Held at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, the two-day conference is themed ‘AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next,’ focusing on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, changing consumer behaviour, emerging technologies and evolving creative business models.

The AGM began on Thursday with a members-only business session featuring the AAAN President’s stewardship address alongside committee reports outlining the association’s activities, achievements and strategic priorities.

The association also inducted three new agencies-JT Agency, Purple Stardust Limited and Omnifique Options Limited, into its membership, a move aimed at strengthening collaboration and expanding Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications ecosystem.

Opening the conference on Friday, AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, said the industry’s biggest threat was not technological disruption itself but the failure of agencies to evolve alongside it.

He stressed the importance of investing in talent development while equipping professionals with the skills to leverage emerging technologies without losing the creative ingenuity that defines effective advertising.

‘The greatest challenge facing the industry is not change itself, but the risk of failing to adapt alongside it,’ Adisa said, urging agencies to build capabilities that combine technology with human creativity.

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of Big Cabal Media, Tomiwa Aladekomo, argued that although artificial intelligence is reshaping the advertising landscape, it cannot replace the originality, intuition and cultural understanding that human creatives bring to campaigns.

He challenged agencies to focus less on technology itself and more on the unique value they deliver to clients, describing AI as a powerful tool that should complement, not substitute, creative thinking.

Also speaking, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Division Head, Brands and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, described the ongoing transformation as an opportunity for agencies to rethink value creation in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

According to him, consumers now demand authenticity, relevance and meaningful brand experiences, making it imperative for agencies to blend technology, data and human judgement to produce impactful campaigns.

Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, described the conference theme as timely, noting that while technology continues to transform industries, creativity remains an inherently human strength.

A panel discussion featuring senior executives from Guinness Nigeria Plc, Spice 360, Digisplash Limited, 7even Interactive and Visa Nigeria examined how agencies can remain competitive in an AI-driven era.

The panelists agreed that while artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and streamline creative processes, strategic thinking, innovation and human insight remain indispensable in building lasting connections between brands and consumers.

The 53rd AAAN AGM and Congress will conclude with the AAAN Gala and Awards, where outstanding individuals and organisations will be honoured for their contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s advertising industry.

The Nigerian Army has listed killing of four suspected kidnappers, rescue of three kidnapped victims and arrest of eight suspects among the recent achievements of its troops in coordinated operations across Kogi and Kwara.

This is contained in an operational report of Operation Savannah Shield made available on Tuesday.

In Kwara, the troops ambushed suspected kidnappers at a crossing point along Jonloji village in the riverine area of Kaiama Local Government of the state.

The report said the troops neutralised four kidnappers, rescued one abducted victim and recovered one pump-action gun, four motorcycles and N64,000 cash.

It said the rescued victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Kaiama, for medical attention.

The report also said that troops at Forward Operating Base, Egbe, rescued two kidnap victims abducted on July 21 at Ruga Mascaru in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi.

According to the report, the victims were safely reunited with their families after the kidnappers fled on sighting the troops.

The report added that in Plateau, troops arrested three suspects accused of attempting to rape a 12-year-old girl in Bokkos Local Government Area and handed them over to the police.

‘Troops also intervened in a clash between a farmer and a herder over alleged destruction of farmland, arresting the farmer and evacuating the injured herder for treatment,’ it said.

The report further said that the troops foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Hawan Kibo-Rafin Sanyi road in Riyom Local Government Area after engaging the criminals, who fled the scene.

It added that troops in other operational theatres, including Operations Fansan Yamma, Hadin Kai and AA II, sustained offensive operations and routine patrols without recording significant incidents.

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called for sweeping electoral reforms, warning that the increasing influence of money politics and the imposition of consensus candidates by political parties pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

Falana made the remarks on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 8th annual lecture of PenPushing Media held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

Falana in his lecture themed, ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability.’

The senior lawyer stressed that electoral integrity must begin with transparent and credible party primaries, insisting that political party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidates rather than having aspirants imposed through consensus arrangements.

He criticised the growing use of consensus candidacy, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, describing the practice as a setback to internal democracy that encourages plutocracy and political manipulation.

While acknowledging that the Electoral Act permits both direct and consensus primaries, Falana argued that democratic principles are better served when candidates emerge through votes cast by party members.

Falana also raised concerns over the increasing monetisation of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing reports that governorship aspirants allegedly spent between ?20 billion and ?30 billion during recent party primaries.

Referring to comments credited to the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, he questioned the legitimacy of such huge campaign expenditures.

‘If you are spending between ?20 billion and ?30 billion on a primary election, how much are you going to spend in the actual election?’ Falana asked.

He maintained that such levels of spending could hardly come from legitimate sources, warning that they fuel corruption, undermine electoral credibility and weaken public confidence in democratic governance.

Falana further cautioned against attempts to weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democracy through the deregistration of political parties or the exclusion of opposition groups from the political process.

Drawing lessons from developments in other African countries, he warned that suppressing opposition voices often creates conditions capable of destabilising democratic institutions.

He urged the government, political parties and other stakeholders to embark on comprehensive electoral reforms aimed at strengthening internal party democracy, reducing the influence of money in politics and promoting transparency, accountability and credible elections.

Meanwhile, founder of PenPushing Media, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ethical journalism and the fight against fake news.

He said the annual lecture has continued to grow in quality and relevance since its inception, describing the 2026 edition as another milestone in the organisation’s efforts to promote responsible journalism.

Kayode-Adedeji also welcomed Falana’s offer of collaboration with PenPushing Media, expressing confidence that the partnership would further strengthen the platform’s commitment to balanced and credible reporting.

He reiterated that the organisation would never compromise its reputation by spreading false information, noting that its dedication to truth and professionalism has earned it the trust and support of several distinguished Nigerians.

‘We have made it a policy that we will never spread fake news. We are known for truth, and we will maintain that position. We will not deviate from it,’ he said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has made explosive allegations against his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, accusing him of masterminding an impeachment plot against his administration and providing N5 million to initiate the process in a bid to seize power.

Obasanjo made the claims in a strongly worded letter to former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, in which he responded to criticisms over the political events surrounding the 2003 general elections.

The former president alleged that the impeachment campaign began from within the Presidency and was orchestrated by his then Vice President after becoming convinced that Obasanjo should serve only one term.

According to Obasanjo, Atiku invited then Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, to his office while he was away from the Presidency and allegedly encouraged him to begin impeachment proceedings.

‘Na’Abba’s impeachment began at the Presidency by the Vice-President, who on a Friday when I was out of the office invited Na’Abba to his office and convinced him that I should have only one term as President,’ Obasanjo wrote.

He further alleged that Atiku financially backed the move.

‘He gave him 5 million naira to begin his impeachment work. It was all noted, recorded and reported to me by my Chief of Staff, a professional intelligence officer.’

Obasanjo claimed the alleged plot formed part of a broader ambition by his deputy to replace him before the completion of his constitutional tenure.

‘The game continued to be played on with me treating it with contempt as I had committed no impeachable offence except my Vice-President who wanted to take over by hook or by crook.’

The former president said he dismissed the impeachment threats because he believed he had committed no offence warranting removal from office. He added that former President Shehu Shagari later offered to intervene after asking about the impeachment moves.

‘President Shagari asked me about impeachment and I told him that for me, there was absolutely nothing in it. He requested for my permission to handle it and, of course, I gave him the go-ahead.’

Obasanjo also alleged that after the impeachment effort failed, Atiku adopted what he described as a ‘two-track approach’ to secure the presidency.

He claimed the first strategy was to align with former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, with the understanding that power would later be transferred to Atiku during Ekwueme’s tenure. The second, he alleged, was to persuade the six Alliance for Democracy (AD) governors in the South-West to avoid political competition in the 2003 elections so they could support Atiku’s presidential ambition in 2007.

‘When he failed in the impeachment exercise, he made a two-track approach. You were all convinced of this anti-democratic plan and you all fell for it,’ Obasanjo alleged.

The former president further claimed that some political actors were encouraged to bypass him and deal directly with his deputy.

‘Have no dealing with Obasanjo as President but deal with his Vice-President and you would get the best. That was clever political move,’ he wrote.

The allegations are contained in Obasanjo’s response to Osoba’s article titled ‘How Obasanjo Deceived Us in 2003,’ in which the former president rejected accusations that he deceived Alliance for Democracy leaders during the political realignments preceding the 2003 elections.

As demand for energy-efficient home appliances continues to rise in Nigeria, industry experts are urging consumers to prioritize authenticity and warranty coverage when purchasing products like LG and others, warning that grey-market units without after-sales support remain common.

With Nigeria’s challenging power environment, many households are opting for LG appliances because of the brand’s inverter technology, which helps reduce electricity consumption while improving durability. Products such as LG’s 4K Smart TVs, Linear Inverter refrigerators, Dual Inverter air conditioners, and Inverter Direct Drive washing machines have become popular choices for homes seeking reliable performance.

Zit advises buyers to select appliances based on their household needs rather than price alone. For televisions, LG’s 4K UHD Smart TV range is recommended for most consumers, while frost-free refrigerators with Linear Inverter Compressors are considered more suitable for larger households due to their energy efficiency and reduced maintenance.

Consumers purchasing air conditioners are also encouraged to choose the correct horsepower for their room size to maximize cooling efficiency and minimize energy costs, while washing machine buyers should weigh the benefits of front-load and top-load models based on budget and usage.

To avoid counterfeit or unofficial imports, buyers are advised to purchase only from reputable retailers offering genuine manufacturer’s warranty coverage. Industry observers note that authorised retailers such as Zit provide LG appliances backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, alongside options including fast delivery and eligible Pay-on-Delivery services in Lagos.

Consumers can explore LG’s range of televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines through Zit’s official LG store page.

The United States has announced a new 12.5 per cent tariff on goods imported from Nigeria, placing the country among dozens of trading partners penalised under a policy aimed at combating forced labour in global supply chains.

The decision, released by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, affects 60 economies that Washington says have not adopted or effectively enforced bans on the importation of products made with forced labour.

Under the policy, countries that have introduced, or pledged to introduce, such restrictions will attract a lower tariff of 10 per cent. Those countries include India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

According to the USTR, the action followed investigations launched in May 2026 under Section 301 of the Trade Act, covering 60 of America’s largest trading partners. The agency said the review drew more than 1,600 written submissions, featured testimony from over 100 witnesses during public hearings, and involved consultations with more than 45 governments before the final decision was reached.

Explaining the tariff structure, the USTR stated:

’10 percent is the appropriate rate of Section 301 duties for investigated economies that (i) impose a forced labor import prohibition; (ii) have committed to impose and enforce such a prohibition through an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade; or (iii) have imposed a partial regime with the effect of preventing the importation of certain forced labor goods.

‘These economies are: Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.

’10 percent or 12.5 percent, net of Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate, is the appropriate rate of Section 301 duties for certain products of the European Union, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland that are not otherwise exempted, as explained in greater detail in the Federal Register Notice.’

The agency added:

‘12.5 percent is the appropriate rate of Section 301 duty for all other investigated economies.’

A Federal Register notice obtained from the USTR confirmed that Nigerian exports would be subject to the 12.5 per cent tariff, except for products covered by specified exemptions.

The notice stated:

‘Based on the findings in the investigation of Nigeria, considering the public comments, testimony, and the advice of the Section 301 Committee, as well as the advice of advisory committees, and in accordance with the specific direction of the President, the Trade Representative has determined to impose 12.5 percent tariffs on products of Nigeria, except as provided in Annex I and Annex II, Part A, of this Notice.

‘The Trade Representative has determined, in accordance with the specific direction of the President, that the tariff rate to be applied, and the scope of tariffs and exemptions, are appropriate to obtain the elimination of the acts, policies, and practices determined to be actionable in the investigation.’

The latest trade measure follows President Donald Trump’s decision to invoke Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to introduce temporary universal tariffs after the US Supreme Court blocked his administration’s wider tariff proposal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the policy was intended to encourage stronger action by America’s trading partners against forced labour.

‘President Trump recognises that decades of moral suasion have not eradicated forced labour from global supply chains,’ Greer said.

‘The United States has had a forced labour import ban for nearly a century. It’s well past time for our trading partners to do the same.’

The USTR said some products would be exempt from the tariffs, including raw materials whose restriction could create domestic shortages, goods capable of causing widespread economic disruption, products unavailable in sufficient quantities within the United States or from alternative suppliers, and selected imports from countries that have adopted or committed to implementing forced labour import bans.

It added that further exemptions had been granted where imposing tariffs was considered unlikely to eliminate the trade practices identified during the investigations.

Some indigenes of Ondo State have faulted Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the reappointment of Dr Taiwo Fasoranti as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), after he resigned to contest for senatorial seat in the state.

The indigenes under the auspices of Ondo Redemption Front (ORF) said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

The statement was jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Dr Ologun Ayodeji; Co-Chairman, Mogbojuri Kayode; and Secretary, Adedotun Ajulo.

The group said that the decision exposed weak coordination and a lack of strategic thinking in the administration.

The civil advocacy group describing the office of the SSG as the engine room of policy coordination, said it should not be treated as a ceremonial or political position.

The group noted that after Fasoranti resigned to pursue his senatorial ambition, while the position was left vacant for months, creating what it described as an avoidable vacuum at the highest level of government.

‘A serious government does not leave such a critical office unattended for months.

‘A serious government understands that governance is a continuous process that cannot be suspended because one individual chooses to pursue political ambitions.

‘Now that the same individual has returned to occupy the position, the public is left wondering whether the office belongs to the institution of government or has become a political holding room to be vacated and reclaimed at will,’ the group said.

It stated that for several months it had raised concerns about the direction of governance in Ondo State, but recent events had reinforced what it called a cycle of indecision, and governance by reaction rather than vision.

The group also raised concerns over the Ministry of Finance, alleging that complaints about administrative bottlenecks, delayed approvals and interference in government processes were now coming from present and former aides, and supporters of the administration.

It urged the governor to investigate the allegations against the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs Omowumi Isaac, and reassure the public that government business was not being held hostage by bureaucratic obstacles.

On infrastructure, it questioned the transparency of the newly commenced Akure flyover project.

It said there was insufficient public information on the total cost, procurement process, funding arrangements and contractor selection, noting that work has already commenced without full disclosure.

The group further decried the state of roads, healthcare and education, noting that public hospitals continue to struggle with inadequate personnel and equipment.

It also noted that institutions like Rufus Giwa Polytechnic faced administrative uncertainty and infrastructure deficits.

The indigenes also expressed concern over rising insecurity, particularly kidnapping and attacks in rural communities, and said farmers and residents felt abandoned.

It demanded that the governor strengthen institutional governance to prevent critical offices from remaining vacant for political reasons, conduct an administrative review to address bottlenecks, and publish full details of the Akure flyover project.

It also called for urgent reforms in health, education and security, and for the introduction of quarterly public accountability sessions.

They stated that the warning signs were becoming impossible to ignore, adding that’ the time for excuses has passed. The time to save the soul of Ondo State is now.’

When contacted, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, described the allegations, as baseless, noting that group was a familiar critic, that address the governor daily on social media without seeking genuine answers.

He insisted that they sought attention, not solutions for Ondo people.

On appointments, he defended the governor’s right to choose his cabinet, saying questioning the SSG appointment was political, not about capacity.

He noted project details, including the Akure flyover, were already public domain, urging the group to use the Freedom of Information Act for more data.

The Senate on Thursday moved closer to requiring global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country after stakeholders endorsed the proposal at a public hearing in Abuja.

The hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security, also backed a bill seeking to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The social media bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to make local offices mandatory for social media firms operating in Nigeria.

Defending the proposal, Nwoko dismissed fears that the legislation would discourage investment.

He said, ‘This Bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria.

‘On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country.’

He argued that countries including the United Kingdom, India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates had attracted global technology firms by encouraging them to establish local operations.

According to him, such offices support engineering, artificial intelligence research, customer service, regulatory compliance and product development while creating jobs and boosting tax revenue.

He added, ‘The question therefore is simple: if countries with significantly smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria have secured these investments and benefits, why should Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines? Why should Africa’s largest digital market not enjoy the same opportunities?’

The Senate committee will review stakeholders’ memoranda before submitting its report to the Senate for further legislative action.