Steve Babaeko
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we gather here with great pleasure to mark a truly unique occasion—the 50th Anniversary Annual General Meeting of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria.
I stand before a distinguished audience that includes The Honourable Minister for Information, Alhaji Idris Mohammed, ably represented by Mr. Sanni Baba, Director Public Communications and National Orientation, The DG ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, The Chairman of the Board of Trustees AAAN, Sir Steve Omojafor, esteemed members of the AAAN board of trustees, Chairman of the Conference Mr. Udeme Ufot MFR, Former Presidents of AAAN, respected members of AAAN’s Executive Board, committee chairs, our keynote speaker/panelists and members of the press corps.
Our chosen theme for this remarkable milestone is “50 Years Young, Ready for More.” In the face of the dynamic changes we’ve witnessed, especially the influx of young professionals and agencies into our fold, we can confidently assert that we are living up to this theme.
Our industry has confronted the dual challenges of macroeconomic headwinds and technological disruption, which have impacted not only our clients’ bottom lines but our own as well.
However, even in the midst of these turbulent times, I firmly believe that the future of our industry holds promise. By standing united as members of the same family, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
Allow me to take a moment to pay tribute to the visionaries who founded AAAN, back when it was known as AAPN.
The small seed they planted in 1973 has grown into a mighty tree, providing shade and job security for countless professionals across our great nation. Please, if you can spare a moment from your busy schedules, join me in giving them a resounding round of applause.
To all our clients and the numerous brands we’ve nurtured over the past five decades, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and patronage.
To our esteemed members, I extend a warm welcome to the beautiful city of Abuja. We have assembled top-tier speakers and panelists who are here to enrich our minds.
Today marks the commencement of our journey into the next half-century, and I, along with the Executive Board, am proud to embark on this journey with each and every one of you.
Welcome, and let us make the most of this momentous occasion.
Thank you.
God bless AAAN and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Steve Babaeko
President
Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN)
