Tinubu's aide becomes ADVAN President as new leadership takes over

The Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN, has picked a new Executive Council to lead the group from 2026 to 2028.

The elections took place during the association’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The new Executive Council includes:

O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Digital/New Media, President;

Gloria Nwabuike, Managing Director AACE Foods Ltd, First Vice President;

Maurice Igugu, Chief Marketing Officer, The Alternative Bank, Second Vice President;

Seni Ogunkola, Vice President Brands and Marketers T2 Mobile, Treasurer;

Adeola Amosun, Group Head, Media Tolaram, Publicity Director;

Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Communications, Media and Partnership, Reckitt Nigeria, Executive Council Member.

Also elected are James Odejimi, Head of Marketing PZ (HPZ SBU), Executive Council Member; Martha Ojei Kayode, Head of Marketing PZ Cussons, Executive Council Member; Omobolanle Osotule, Head of Brand Marketing and Communication Airtel Networks, Executive Council Member; Oge Maduakwu, Head of Marketing and Communication Samsung Electronics West Africa, Executive Council Member.

The new Council takes over from the Executive Council led by the previous President, Osamede Uwubanmwen.

In his acceptance speech, the new President, O’tega Ogra, thanked the association members for trusting the new leadership. He promised to run an inclusive and results-focused administration.

He mentioned that the new Council would work on improving the value ADVAN offers its members, building the skills of marketing professionals, boosting teamwork in the advertising and marketing space, and enhancing connections with regulators and other important stakeholders.

“This is not just a job to hold office. It is a duty to make ADVAN the main voice of advertisers and marketing professionals in Nigeria,” Mr Ogra said.

“Our industry is changing fast. Technology, artificial intelligence, data, regulation, and changing consumer habits are reshaping our work. ADVAN must help its members understand these changes, prepare for them, and lead effectively.”

The President said the new leadership would focus on structured training, executive education, and professional learning for members at all career levels.

He also shared plans to establish an ADVAN Institute of Marketing and Brand Leadership under the proposed ADVAN Business School. This school will focus on research, training, professional development, and documenting marketing knowledge and case studies from Nigeria.

The new council also aims to strengthen partnerships among advertisers, agencies, media owners, tech companies, research organizations, schools, and others involved in marketing and communications.

Regarding ADVAN’s ties with regulatory bodies like ARCON, Mr Ogra said the association would pursue open and respectful dialogues.

“ADVAN will continue to defend the lawful interests of its members. We believe that discussions, consultations, and respect form the best foundation for a stable industry that greatly benefits the Nigerian economy,” he said.

“We will work on rebuilding trust, reopening communication channels, and finding practical solutions to ongoing issues without losing the core values ADVAN and its members uphold.”

The new President praised the outgoing Executive Council for their service and recognized the efforts of past presidents, the Board of Trustees, members, the ADVAN CEO, Secretariat, and industry stakeholders in growing the association.

The new Executive Council will officially begin its two-year term and is expected to present its strategic priorities and action plans after its first meeting.

ADVAN is the main association for advertisers and marketing professionals from leading companies and small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. The group promotes professionalism, responsible marketing, industry growth, and the shared interests of advertisers.