•We’ll ensure strong ties with govt, he pledges
Kelechi Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer of TBWA, won in a landslide against the Managing Director of Noah’s Ark, Lanre Adisa, to become the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) in a ballot laced with intrigues in Abuja.
Country Director (Nigeria) of International Republican Institute (IRI), Robina Namusisi (left); Smith (second left); Oke (third left); and Nwosu at a dinner/interactive session with Smith on “Preparing to Run’’ in Abuja.
The new helmsman promised to consolidate on the achievements of the AAAN, push reforms in the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and deepen the relationship with the government.
Vision for AAAN
He said his vision for the AAAN revolves around respect, value and professionalism. He believes that as the market becomes more dynamic, the association needs to be in good stead to do more business with the government.
Prior to the nerve wracking contest, the annual general meeting (AGM) commenced with a seminar on ‘Political advertising, perception building and voters’ education’.
The paper was delivered by former United States President, Bill Clinton’s Political Adviser, Craig Smith.
Attendees from outside the advertising industry included Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, and Zenith Bank Chairman, Steve Omojafor.
The manifestoes’ evening saw high wire politicking between new generation agencies such as Noah’s Ark and old generation ones like TBWA/Concept.
It was obvious Nwosu would win but after presentations members began to have a change of heart and he became apprehensive. Adisa’s hope was beginning to grow.
But Nwosu beat him by 35 votes to 15 to keep the status quo intact.
Focus on professionalim
Nwosu, who was AAAN Vice President up to election day, said if anybody wants to build reputation and get value he has to show skill and prove competence.
“This will open doors. We need more business coming to us and one of the strong things my administration has promised to do, and I hope to accomplish, is to embark on a strong campaign for the government on pro bono.”
On APCON reforms, he said his administration will “lobby people to let them know about the reforms and they should abide by them. We have to talk to our people to believe in the reforms as we can’t wait for APCON to push it for us.”
Nwosu, who had also served the AAAN in other capacities, promised to focus on professionalism and to energise committees, particularly the training and development committee.
“We need our training to be more often and more qualitative and get revenue from there. We are looking towards starting the training academy in the next 12 months.
“We need to plan for the academy and not just jump into it given the experience we have had in the past,” he stressed.
“I also will look at improving the capability, leadership and professionalism of the secretariat so that we have better training for the secretariat as the engine room of the association.”
Other officers elected
Kayode Oluwasona became Vice President with 35 votes, against 15 garnered by Celey Okogun.
Shola Adegborioye (Treasurer), Ikechi Odigbo (Publicity Secretary), Victor Otabo (Assistant Publicity Secretary). These three emerged unopposed.
Ex-officio members are Bisi Afolabi, Sam Osunsoko Demola Olosunmade and former AAAN President, Bunmi Oke.
Oke told TheNiche that her presidency “was a period when so many changes were going on in the industry which include APCON reforms, 40th anniversary of AAAN, stepping up LAIF awards and the emergence of female president after a long time.
“The icing on the cake is that we got the federal government’s recognition as the association was invited to the national conference. That tells me that in this business we need to work as a team with all stakeholders in the marketing communication.
On her expectations of the new administration, she said “our clients now know that we are professionals and they expect certain standards from us as professionals.
“My expectation for the new executive is to continue that professionalism. That is the beauty of world class standards.”