BJAN conference to tackle AI disruption, future of creative agencies in advertising

Advertising and marketing professionals, brand managers, industry leaders and media executives will converge in Lagos in November to examine the future of Nigeria’s advertising industry as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform creative processes.

The Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) will host the conference on November 6, 2026, at the Luxury Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Themed “Advertising in Nigeria & AI: Who Needs Creative Agency?”, the conference will bring together practitioners, brand managers, journalists and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges arising from the rapid adoption of AI technologies.

The rise of generative AI has significantly altered how businesses create advertising content, analyse consumer behaviour, develop campaign concepts and engage target audiences.

With AI-powered platforms increasingly capable of producing text, images, videos, creative concepts and data-driven insights, the industry is facing growing questions about the future relevance of traditional creative agencies and advertising professionals.

The BJAN conference is expected to explore whether AI could eventually replace some functions traditionally performed by creative agencies or whether the technology will primarily serve as a tool for improving the efficiency and capabilities of human professionals.

’Lolu Akinwunmi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Prima Garnet Africa, will deliver the keynote address, while Bethel Obioma, Head of Communication at Sahara Group, will serve as Guest Speaker.

Their presentations are expected to examine the changing advertising landscape and how practitioners and businesses can harness AI while retaining creativity, strategic thinking and meaningful human connections.

A panel session will further examine issues arising from the keynote and guest presentation.

Confirmed panellists include Dr Seyi Akindeinde, Chief Executive Officer of Hyperspace; George Onukwo, Chief Executive Officer of TBWA/Concept; and Sandra Amachree, Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries.

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The panel will be moderated by Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMA) and Chief Executive Officer of Aster Integrated Marketing Limited.

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

Obi said discussions would go beyond the technology itself to examine how professionals and organisations could strategically adapt to the opportunities and disruptions created 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,” he said.

He added that the conference would help stakeholders assess the implications of AI for creativity, strategy, consumer engagement and the future structure of the advertising industry.

For BJAN, the event is expected to deepen informed conversations around emerging developments shaping Nigeria’s brand and marketing communications ecosystem.