Forty-five newly conferred fellows of the advertising profession have been told by captains of the industry that being fellows is an invitation to contribute more to the growth of the industry which is valued at N602 billion.
The 45 new fellows join the list of 170 number of practitioners who have been conferred so far with fellowship title in the industry.
Those who spoke at the conferment of the new fellows in Lagos last week, tasked them that their expected contributions in the industry is much needed now as the industry faces a lot of challenges informed by global, local economic dynamisms and AI.
Biodun Shobanjo, marketing Communications and advertising expert who is CEO of Troyka Holdings challenged the new fellows to think deeply on the value of being fellows.
He said the industry has evolved and it is still evolving and “we must do something and the only way to do something is to see value in the fellowship”.
The advertising titan who was inducted fellow of advertising profession in 1990 also told the practitioners to embrace discipline of time in their engagements as part of pillars for the industry growth.
Shobanjo was early October, 2025 inducted into Loeries Hall of Fame in S/Africa. It is said to be the highest single award that anybody in marketing communication can receive in Africa and Middle East.
Also speaking at the event, Lanre Adisa, chairman of Heads Advertising Sectoral Groups reminded the new fellows that to be inducted, they are recognized on their efforts in the industry and the industry needs them. He said the industry is now in the age of ideas.
Also speaking, Steve Babaeko, former president of AAAN and CEO of X3M Ideas said being a fellow is the pinnacle of the profession. He also reminded them that it is a call to service to take the industry to next level.
In his speech, Lekan Fadolapo said fellowship of the advertising profession is the highest status of membership of the profession.
As the industry evolves, he said the practitioners must reassess their approach and embrace tech and skills required for the journey.
Some of the new fellows include, Tolu Medebem, President of EXMAN; Emmanuel Agu, an accomplished marketing leader; Ebatamehi Kayode, Group managing director of Bluebird Group; Stephen Onaivi, managing director of MediaReach OMD; and Agbo Susan, Director at ARCON.
