BJAN brings advertising giants together to navigate AI revolution

Stanley Ihedigbo

Advertising and marketing professionals, brand managers, industry leaders and media executives are set to converge in Lagos in November 2026 to examine the future of advertising in Nigeria as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the creative industry and reshape how brands engage consumers.

The conference is organised by Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) and is scheduled to hold on November 6, 2026, at Luxury Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

With the theme, “Advertising in Nigeria & AI: Who Needs Creative Agency?” the conference offers an opportunity for industry experts, practitioners, brand managers, journalists and other stakeholders to critically examine the opportunities and challenges created by the rapid advancement of AI technologies.

The development of generative AI and other emerging technologies has significantly changed the way businesses develop advertising content, analyse consumers, curate campaigns and communicate with their target audiences.

With AI-powered tools increasingly capable of generating texts, images, videos, campaign concepts and data-driven insights, questions are emerging about the future role of traditional creative agencies and advertising professionals.

The BJAN conference is therefore expected to address one of the industry’s most pressing questions: can artificial intelligence replace the creative agency, or will it become a powerful tool that enables agencies and creative professionals to work more effectively?

‘Lolu Akinwunmi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet Africa, a respected figure in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications landscape, will deliver the keynote address at the conference, while another leading industry expert, Head of Communication at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, will deliver a paper as Guest Speaker.

Both papers are expected to provide insights into the rapidly changing advertising environment and examine how practitioners and businesses can respond to the opportunities presented by AI while preserving creativity, strategic thinking and human connection.

A panel of distinguished professionals will explore several critical issues from the keynote presentation in a panel discussion.

Among those who have confirmed attendance are: Chief Executive Officer of Hyperspace, Dr. Seyi Akindeinde; Chief Executive Officer, TBWA/Concept, George Onukwo and Head of Marketing Communications, Nigerian Breweries (NB), Sandra Amachree, while the session will be moderated by President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMA) and CEO of Aster Integrated Marketing Limited, Tolulope Medebem.

Speaking at the conference, BJAN Chairman, Daniel Obi, said the event provides an important platform for stakeholders to understand the transformation taking place within the advertising and marketing communications industry.

According to Obi, the conference will not merely focus on the technology itself but also examine how professionals and organisations could strategically adapt to the changes brought about by AI.

“As technology continues to influence the way brands communicate with consumers, industry stakeholders need to understand the implications of AI for the future of advertising in Nigeria”, Obi said.

For BJAN, the event is expected to strengthen its role as a platform for informed conversations about developments shaping Nigeria’s brand and marketing communications industry.

The conference will provide valuable perspectives on how the industry can navigate the transition from traditional advertising models to an increasingly technology-driven ecosystem.