The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has rolled out year-long activities to celebrate 50 years of existence in Nigeria.

The celebrations commenced recently with the unveiling of the Anniversary Logo.

Speaking at the unveiling to herald the celebrations themed: “50 Years Young, Ready For More’, AAAN president, Steve Babaeko, said the association will be rolling out the drums to celebrate five decades of excellence and dedication to the Nigerian marketing communications space.

According to Babaeko, the celebrations mark half a century of creative excellence and dedication to the advertising industry of Nigeria.

Part of the activities for the celebrations will be recognising and celebrating industry icons - past and present - whose efforts have contributed to making the Nigerian creative industry a force to reckon with, local and internationally.

Other activities lined up for the anniversary include a mini golf tournament for charity, a walk for life health initiative and anniversary documentary chronicling the journey of the association. The ceremony will also include an anniversary lecture, industry night and will culminate with the AAAN annual general meeting and award/gala night.

On the anniversary logo, the president said: “This logo, designed by one of our talented creative designers, Bashorun Olabayo, represents the growth and evolution of AAAN over the last 50 years. The bold and modern design represents our commitment to stay at the forefront of the industry, while the colours and imagery pay homage to our diverse culture and heritage.

“It represents our commitment to continue to provide services that will enhance development of advertising in Nigeria. This logo will serve as a symbol of our organisation’s achievements and aspirations and would be seen in all our communications,” he explained.

Also speaking at the unveiling, director general of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, congratulated the association for overcoming numerous challenges over the years to achieve the remarkable milestone.

Fadolapo, a former executive director of the association, said that he was a product and beneficiary of AAAN’s benevolence, having worked at the association secretariat for 25 years, during which he worked with 13 presidents of the association, before his appointment as ARCON registrar and now the DG.

Founded in 1973 as a sectoral body in the marketing communications industry, AAAN boasts of industry icons such as Late I.S. Moemeke, Ayo Owoborode, Biodun Sobanjo, Bola Thomas, Steve Omojafor (OON), Udeme Ufot (MFR), Enyi Odigbo, Lolu Akinwunmi, Kelechi Nwosu and many others.