Babaeko lauds Lagos Governor on recognition of IMC industry at MARKETING EDGE Awards
By Kasim Bakare
Coming on the heels of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu’s recognition of the integrated marketing communications(IMC) Industry at the recently held MARKETING EDGE Brands & Advertising Awards of Excellence, X3M Ideas Chief Creative Officer and President , Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria(AAAN), Steve Babaeko has applauded the gesture noting that the long overdue gesture is commendable.
It would be recalled that the Governor while delivering his keynote speech at the event recognized the contribution of practitioners and the place of marketing communications as a veritable partner of the state in its bid to promote socio-economic development through creativity and innovation of experts in the industry.
In Sanwo-olu’s words:”Over the last 5 decades, the marketing communications profession has evolved remarkably to become a window for the world to see the creativity that resides within us. I am a part of the marketing/marketing communications family. I know the importance of the industry and I am committed to its continued growth. That is the reason we are building a resilient and livable city that you and your clients will someday be proud of.
Continuing, he said:”Let me assure you of our administration’s readiness to support the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards. Since our name is involved, we will provide the support to make it greater than ever before. Let us begin to use the platform of LAIF and similar initiatives to draw the attention of the world to Destination Lagos”.
Reacting to Sanwoolu’s gesture, Mr. Steve Babaeko commended the governor for the recognition of the industry while noting that past governments at state and federal levels had neglected it despite its huge contribution to promoting socio-economic development and image of the country.
Hear him:”My immediate thoughts are that of gratitude to the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It’s heartwarming to note that we have a Governor who values creativity and excellence. The creative industry with the advertising industry as its arrowhead has been neglected for far too long. Thank you to the Governor for restoring the pride of this very noble industry that’s responsible for creating thousands of jobs for Lagos state and the country as a whole”.
Commenting on how the advertising industry can leverage the governor’s gesture to enhance the growth of the sector, the X3m boss said:
“The only way to leverage the Governor’s endorsement is to continue to do the fantastic job we were doing which was what caught the Governor’s attention in the first place. A lot of AAAN members have contributed a great deal to the development of Lagos state and we’ll continue to do so. With the words of encouragement from the Governor, I believe our members will do even more.
Asked to comment on the governor’s recognition of the contribution of creative experts, including him, in putting the industry and the country on a global map, the creative impresario applauded the governor’s remarks noting that their contributions have not left unnoticed by the governor.
“I don’t think anyone has ever publicly referred to me as a ‘Creative Rebel’.So, thanks to the Governor for the new title, I kind of like it. To build a new foundation that ’ll sustain our industry into the future, some of us had to turn our backs to the conventional ways of doing things. I am humbled that our efforts are being appreciated globally and now locally by Governor Sonwo-Olu.
In a similar vein, the AAAN helmsman was full of commendation and excitement on the governor’s pledge to support the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival(LAIF). Babaeko said:
“I am very grateful for the kind gesture of the Governor on the LAIF awards. LAIF awards has been on for almost 15 years, it has become one of the most iconic events on the Lagos creative industry calendar. We look forward to meeting with the Governor’s team to iron out the details. The Chairman of LAIF, Mr. Lanre Adisa has my support and that of the Executive Board of AAAN to continue to deliver an excellent LAIF award that we can all continue to be proud of”.
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