Category: PM News

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has questioned why former President Olusegun Obasanjo waited until after Ghali Umar Na’Abba’s death to allege that he paid the former House of Representatives Speaker N5 million to initiate impeachment proceedings against him.

Atiku said raising the allegation when Na’Abba could no longer respond denied Nigerians the opportunity to hear the other side, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to damage his reputation and boost the electoral fortunes of Obasanjo’s unnamed kinsman ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Obasanjo alleged in a letter to former Ogun State governor Olusegun Osoba that Atiku invited Na’Abba to the Presidential Villa while he was away and convinced the former speaker that he should serve only one term.

The former president claimed the alleged payment formed part of Atiku’s attempt to seize power ‘by hook or by crook.’

However, Atiku rejected the allegation as politically motivated in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu.

The African Democratic Congress presidential candidate said the timing of Obasanjo’s allegation showed that it was intended to influence the political contest ahead of the 2027 general election.

Atiku accused his former principal of attempting to tarnish his reputation to give an unfair political advantage to an unnamed kinsman.

‘Coming at a time when the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general election is taking shape, the obvious objective is to besmirch my person and reputation and confer an undeserved political advantage on the former President’s kinsman,’ he said.

Atiku argued that Nigerians were too discerning to be distracted by an allegation revived for political convenience.

He challenged Obasanjo to openly identify and support his preferred presidential candidate instead of attempting to shape public opinion through claims that could no longer be independently tested.

‘If former President Obasanjo has chosen to take a political position ahead of 2027, he should simply declare it and allow Nigerians to judge it on its merits,’ Atiku said.

The former vice-president questioned why Obasanjo waited until after Na’Abba’s death to repeat the allegation, saying the timing denied Nigerians the opportunity to hear the former speaker’s version of events.

He also maintained that the bribery allegation had no judicial or official backing.

Atiku argued that Obasanjo’s government controlled the full powers of the Nigerian state and could have investigated and prosecuted any criminal conduct if credible evidence existed at the time.

‘If there was indeed evidence of any criminal conduct as alleged, Nigerians are entitled to ask why no action was taken at the time by a government that wielded the full powers of the Nigerian state,’ he said.

Atiku linked Obasanjo’s continued hostility towards him to their disagreement over the alleged attempt to secure a third presidential term.

He said he opposed the plan because it threatened Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and refused to sacrifice democratic principles for Obasanjo’s personal ambition.

The ADC leader recalled that he successfully challenged actions taken against him by the Obasanjo administration through a series of court cases.

‘Rather than surrender democratic principles on the altar of personal ambition, I defended the Constitution and successfully asserted my rights through the courts in a series of landmark legal victories against a sitting President,’ he said.

Atiku described those legal battles as an important part of Nigeria’s democratic history, insisting that Obasanjo had not overcome the bitterness created by their confrontation.

He said he would not allow himself to be dragged into a prolonged dispute over past political battles while Nigerians faced worsening economic hardship, hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

Atiku said his attention remained on presenting credible alternatives, protecting democracy, demanding accountability and working with patriotic Nigerians to restore competent and transparent leadership.

‘Nigerians deserve solutions to today’s problems, not recycled political tales from yesterday,’ he declared.

Prominent opposition activist and public interest defender, Comrade Mark Adebayo, has strongly condemned the recent petition submitted by the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress(ADC) and former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to the government of the United States regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a scathing statement released today, Adebayo described Atiku’s diplomatic offensive as an exercise in futility, labelling the petition as completely untenable, irrelevant, and otiose. The activist argued that inviting foreign powers to arbitrate or interfere in Nigeria’s internal political and judicial affairs is a direct assault on the nation’s sovereignty.

‘It is deeply embarrassing that a politician of Atiku Abubakar’s standing, who has occupied the second-highest office in this country, still suffers from a colonial mindset,’ Adebayo stated.

‘Seeking the intervention of the American government over settled domestic political matters is not only untenable under international law but completely irrelevant to the immediate economic and security challenges facing everyday Nigerians.’

Adebayo emphasized that as an opposition voice, he remains fiercely critical of the current administration’s policies. However, he maintained that national interests must supersede partisan desperation. He noted that Nigeria’s judiciary and constitutional frameworks are the only legitimate arenas for resolving electoral and political disputes, rendering Atiku’s foreign appeals legally useless and ‘otiose.’

‘We must learn to wash our to play politics of maturity and patriotism and not parade Nigeria in bad light globally in the service of power desperation,’ Adebayo continued. ‘The United States is not a prefect over Nigeria, nor is it an extension of our Supreme Court. This continuous demeaning of our national institutions before foreign capitals must stop. Atiku’s petition changes nothing, serves no public good, and is dead on arrival.’

The statement concluded with a call to all opposition figures to focus on constructive domestic engagement, policy alternatives, and holding the government accountable from within, rather than embarking on wasteful international media stunts.

‘I don’t know what his lawyers are telling him, but a fundamental issue of sovereign and legal jurisdiction arises here in which the American government has no supervisory authority over Nigeria or Nigeria’s judicial institutions and especially lacks the authority to adjudicate on who is or not qualified to run for elective offices within the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Federation. Moreover, the issues raised in that petition have been investigated, interrogated, and conclusively adjudicated by courts of competent jurisdiction with the same return of ‘no case’ because the issues lack material and legal substances. Therefore, what Atiku Abubakar is doing is merely an effort to fly an aeroplane without an engine. It won’t fly. This is a mere distractive propaganda. Atiku would do Nigeria a good deed if he can clear himself of the wanton allegations of massive corruption against him by his former boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo. He has always been evasive when these allegations are raised rather than clear himself of them. Those who live in a glass house must avoid throwing stones. What Nigerians expect from opposition candidates are workable alternatives to Nigeria’s challenges and not raising issues that are dead, buried, and totally inconsequential.’

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has directed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against anyone found unlawfully carrying firearms, declaring that armed criminals will no longer be allowed to operate with impunity.

The directive, issued on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, forms part of intensified efforts to curb rising insecurity, particularly in states affected by recurring violent attacks.

Disu said the order followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to end the persistent violence in Benue State, where attacks by armed groups have claimed lives, displaced communities and destroyed property.

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The police chief stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to possess firearms, warning that anyone found carrying weapons illegally would be treated as an armed threat.

‘You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,’ the IGP said.

He explained that under Force Order 237, police officers are empowered to respond immediately to armed threats without first seeking approval from superior officers.

According to Disu, the directive is intended to protect security personnel, many of whom have lost their lives in confrontations with heavily armed criminals.

‘We have given them instructions. We have a Force Order 237. Police officers have been instructed that they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms.

‘We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow.

‘They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you,’ he said.

The IGP appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence, saying community cooperation remains essential to tackling armed criminality and restoring peace.

Benue has remained one of Nigeria’s most troubled states in recent months, with repeated attacks by armed groups prompting increased deployment of security personnel and tougher measures by the Federal Government to stem the violence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday handed over recovered N108 million to a company, Greenwich Planet Sun King Nigeria Limited, in Lagos.

The money, handed over in bank drafts, formed part of the funds recovered by the Commission in the course of an investigation into an alleged case of abuse of office, forgery, stealing and diversion involving two former employees of the company.

Investigation revealed that the suspects, Nkechi Gladys Megai, who is currently at large after fleeing to the United Kingdom, and Godson Eze, a former Chief Financial Officer, abused their positions by forging documents, creating fake invoices in the names of the company’s legitimate vendors, and diverting funds through fraudulent transactions carried out over a period of time.

The investigation also revealed that the fraudulent payments ran into several hundreds of millions of naira.

At Wednesday’s handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that victims of economic and financial crimes obtain justice and, where possible, recover assets fraudulently obtained from them.

Kaltungo also disclosed that ‘efforts are ongoing to ensure that all persons connected with the fraud, including those who have fled the country, are brought to justice in accordance with the law.’

The company’s legal representatives, while receiving the bank drafts, expressed appreciation to the EFCC for its painstaking investigation, professionalism and commitment to recovering the stolen funds.

They also assured the Commission that the recovered money would go a long way towards mitigating the losses suffered by the company.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N108 million recovered from an alleged fraud case involving two former employees of a Lagos company.

The anti-graft agency announced this in a statement on Friday. It said the money, presented as bank drafts, was recovered during an investigation into allegations of abuse of office, forgery, stealing and diversion of company funds.

According to the EFCC, one of the suspects, Nkechi Gladys Megai, is currently on the run after allegedly fleeing to the United Kingdom. The second suspect, Godson Eze, is the company’s former Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The commission said the two suspects allegedly forged documents, created fake invoices using the names of the company’s genuine vendors and diverted company money through fraudulent transactions over a period of time.

The EFCC added that the total amount allegedly stolen ran into several hundreds of millions of naira.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Assistant Commander Bawa Usman Kaltungo, said the commission remained committed to ensuring that victims of financial crimes receive justice and recover stolen assets whenever possible.

He also said efforts were ongoing to arrest everyone linked to the alleged fraud, including those who have fled the country.

The company’s legal representatives, Karren Walters Attorneys, praised the EFCC for its professionalism and thorough investigation. They said the recovered N108 million would help reduce the financial losses suffered by the company.

The EFCC said investigations are still ongoing as it continues efforts to track down all other suspects connected with the alleged fraud.

The 17th edition of the Healing Streams Live Healing Services with Pastor Chris begins today, bringing together billions of participants worldwide for three days of worship, prayer, healing, and spiritual transformation.

The global Christian healing programme is scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m. (GMT+1) and will be broadcast live on Healing Streams TV, all LoveWorld Networks, and numerous television, radio, and digital platforms across the world.

According to the organisers, participants are expected to connect from homes, churches, Healing Centers, hospitals, workplaces, schools, correctional facilities, and communities across every continent.

To make the programme accessible to a global audience, the live broadcasts will be simultaneously interpreted into multiple world languages and thousands of dialects, allowing millions of viewers to participate regardless of their location or language.

Since its inception, the Healing Streams Live Healing Services have grown into one of the world’s largest Christian healing broadcasts, reaching billions through live and rebroadcast transmissions. The programme has become known for testimonies of healing and restoration, with participants reporting recoveries from various physical, emotional, and health conditions.

This year’s edition is expected to feature healing ministrations by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, President of LoveWorld Nation, alongside worship sessions, faith-building teachings, and testimonies from participants across different countries.

Ahead of the programme, organisers highlighted several testimonies recorded during the March 2026 edition.

Among them is Kamjori from India, who said she was healed of dyspepsia and severe body pain that had affected her daily life for several years after participating in the live service from a Healing Center.

In Germany, Reign testified that persistent breathing difficulties, which had continued despite hospital visits and medication, disappeared during the live broadcast.

Similarly, Grace from Senegal recounted being healed of severe pain on the left side of her body after months of discomfort that had limited her mobility. She said the pain vanished during the healing ministration, enabling her to resume her normal activities.

Organisers said these testimonies reflect thousands of similar accounts documented from previous editions of the programme.

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Olajide Babasola, Head of Media Communications, Ministry of Healing, Health and Social Services, LoveWorld Nation, invited people around the world to participate in the services.

‘This is an open invitation to people everywhere, regardless of nationality, language, or background, and anyone seeking healing, restoration, salvation, answers to prayer, or a deeper encounter with God, to participate in the live broadcasts,’ Babasola said.

He added that the programme offers individuals and families an opportunity to experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ and God’s love.

The Healing Streams Live Healing Services will run over the next three days, with viewers able to join the broadcasts from anywhere in the world through Healing Streams TV and affiliated broadcast platforms.

A high-stakes criminal trial involving alleged forgery and the diversion of N460,750,000 took a dramatic turn this week at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, after the principal defendant failed to appear in court, citing a medical emergency abroad without producing any supporting documentation.

The matter, Inspector General of Police v. Austin Ugochukwu Albert and 2 Others, is being prosecuted by G. T. Nev, Esq. of the Directorate of Legal Services, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, before Hon. Justice I. A. Kala.

At the heart of the case is Mr. Austin Ugochukwu Albert, popularly known as Austin Albert, a Nigerian businessman with interests in, and a Chief Executive Officer of a Dubai-based real estate firm, Loft and Keys Properties LLC. Also joined in the charge is Mr. Jinadu Musbau Olalekan, Head of Finance at a Lagos-based an advisory firm jointly owned by Albert and a female partner who serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

According to the charge sheet, on March 6, 2026, the sum of N460,750,000 was allegedly transferred out of the company’s account domiciled with Globus Bank Plc, without the knowledge or consent of the CEO. The funds were said to have been moved into an account belonging to New Power Energy and Logistics Services.

The prosecution alleges that Austin Albert and the Head of Finance conspired to effect the transfer and further forged the CEO’s signature to authorize it.

A third defendant originally listed, Ms. Ugumanim Okputu Joana Agwu, an Executive Assistant to Albert, had faced a separate count relating to assault. That count was however struck out by the prosecution after it was determined that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear it together with the financial offences.

The offences are brought pursuant to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Miscellaneous Offences Act, and the Criminal Code Act. It must be emphasized that these remain allegations.

None of the defendants has been convicted, and each is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

Court Proceedings:

When the case was called this week, the courtroom was filled to capacity, but the dock was not. The first defendant, Austin Albert, was absent. Counsel for the 1st and 3rd defendants, Malam Abdul-Hakeem Adio, informed the court that his client had recently undergone major surgery in Dubai. However, no medical report or any documentary evidence was tendered to substantiate the claim.

The prosecution was quick to highlight the inconsistency. G. T. Nev, Esq. reminded the court that at the last adjourned date, the defence had merely stated that Austin Albert was ‘out of the country,’ with no reference to any health challenge.

The sudden emergence of a surgery narrative, he argued, without any proof, raised concerns. In the interest of justice and fair hearing, Justice Kala declined to proceed in the absence of the principal defendant.

The court, exercising judicial discretion, adjourned the matter to October 5, 2026 for arraignment, directing that both remaining defendants, Austin Albert and Jinadu Musbau Olalekan, must be present.

FIDA’s Presence And The Defence’s Position:

In attendance was a delegation from the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria (FIDA), led by Barr.

Ogechi Abu, with Barrs. Phil Nneji, Chioma Porom, and Kemi Ogunnaike. Also on a watching brief for the norminal complainant is Barrs. OLUNIYI ADEDIJI ESQ, of J – K GADZAMA LLP.

Speaking after proceedings, Barr. Abu stated that FIDA was present ‘to observe proceedings in the case between the Inspector-General of Police and Austin Albert and others.

‘ She noted the amendment of the charge which led to the dropping of the second defendant, and drew attention to the defence’s shifting explanations regarding Austin Albert’s absence.

‘At the last adjourned date, there was no mention of any medical indisposition,’ she said. ‘Today, we are hearing of major surgery, yet without a medical report to show the nature of it to the court.’ Barr. Abu added that FIDA’s interest stems from the fact that ‘the nominal complainant in this case is a female,’ and that the protection of women’s rights falls within the organization’s core mandate.

She commended the court for its cautious approach in adjourning the matter. Responding, defence counsel, Malam Adio, dismissed suggestions that the case involved violence against women.

‘If you look at the entire charge sheet, the common thread is forgery,’ he argued.

‘This matter has nothing to do with violence against a woman.’ On the issue of settlement, Adio disclosed that discussions for an amicable resolution were ongoing between the parties.

‘We came to court today expecting that path, only to be met with an amended charge this morning,’ he said. He expressed optimism that ‘by the next hearing, a resolution may well be in sight.’

What Happens Next:

With the amended charge now listing only Austin Albert and Jinadu Musbau Olalekan as defendants, all eyes will be on the October 5 adjourned date.

The court will expect both men to appear for arraignment, and for the defence to produce the promised medical documentation.

Whether the ongoing settlement talks will yield results before then remains to be seen, a development that FIDA and other court observers say they will be monitoring closely.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has reinforced its position as one of the continent’s leading financial institutions after emerging as Nigeria’s Best Bank for Retail and Sustainability Leadership (ESG) at the prestigious 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

The awards, presented on Thursday, July 17, 2026, at The Peninsula London in the United Kingdom, celebrates banking institutions that demonstrate outstanding financial performance, innovation, customer impact and sustainable business practices.

The double recognition underscores UBA’s leadership in driving sustainable finance while expanding access to innovative banking solutions for millions of customers across Africa.

According to Euromoney, UBA distinguished itself through significant strides in environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, including the launch of a Green Financing Facility to support households and businesses transitioning to renewable energy, a ?5 billion financing programme in partnership with the Bank of Industry to empower women-owned businesses, and its long-term commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The publication also highlighted UBA’s efforts to embed sustainability within its operations through the deployment of solar-powered energy solutions across 50 branches and comprehensive ESG capacity-building initiatives that have trained more than 16,000 employees across the Group.

In the retail banking category, Euromoney recognised UBA’s continued expansion as one of Africa’s largest retail banking franchises. The Bank grew its customer base to over 37 million by the end of 2025, while retail revenue more than quadrupled to ?429.5 billion.

The awards also acknowledged UBA’s continued digital innovation, particularly the enhancement of its award-winning AI-powered chatbot, LEO, which became Africa’s first artificial intelligence banking platform to facilitate cross-border money transfers in local currencies through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

Commenting on the recognition, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, described the awards as a validation of the Bank’s unwavering commitment to creating value for customers while advancing sustainable development across Africa.

‘To be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Bank for both ESG and Retail Banking in the same year sends a powerful message that sustainable banking and commercial success are mutually reinforcing.

‘At UBA, we are committed to financing Africa’s future, supporting businesses and communities, promoting financial inclusion, and delivering innovative banking solutions that improve lives. These awards belong to our customers for their confidence in us and to every member of the UBA family whose dedication continues to make our vision a reality.’

Also speaking on the awards, UBA’s Group Head, Marketing, Brand and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the recognition reflects the Bank’s enduring commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything it does.

‘These awards are a powerful affirmation of our Customer First philosophy. Every innovation we introduce, every solution we develop and every investment we make is driven by our desire to create exceptional value for our customers.

‘Whether it is supporting entrepreneurs with access to finance, enabling seamless digital payments, advancing clean energy financing or expanding financial inclusion across Africa, UBA remains focused on delivering meaningful impact. We are honoured that one of the world’s most respected financial publications has recognised these efforts.’

With operations in 20 African countries as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA continues to strengthen its position as Africa’s Global Bank, serving more than 45 million customers through innovative technology, world-class banking services and an unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

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.