The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will preside over the 2018 Annual Brand & Marketing Conference & Awards scheduled to hold on Friday, 23 November at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI House, Nurudeen Olowopopo Drive, Alausa, Lagos.

The Annual marketing conference organised by Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria, BJAN, started in 2013 and this year theme is Brand Lagos: Opportunities, Challenges, Lessons.

The conference, which has Lolu Akinwunmi, former Chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria/Group Managing director, Prima Garnet Africa as the Guest Speaker/Keynote will also witness Dr. Ken Onyeali-Ikpe, Group Chief Operating officer, Insight Redefini, Steve Ayorinde, Hon Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Lagos state, Engr. Mansur Ahmed, President, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, Chief Mike Dada, CEO, PRM Africa, Mr. Odion Aleobua, Modion Communication and Mrs Ijedi Iyoha, Acting Registrar, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON as discussants.

While the lecture session commences by 9a.m, the special awards which would be given to honour and appreciate distinguished stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the growth of the marketing and communications industry, is scheduled to kick off by 1pm.

Speaking on the conference, BJAN Chairman, Mr. Goddie Ofose said the theme of the conference was picked in order to look into how Nigerian States can begin to be seen as brand icons.

The BJAN Chairman noted that the conference is expected to be used in dissecting opportunities, challenges and lessons for states in the area of becoming notable brand

According to him, “When you go most countries in the other parts of the world, they are known for one thing or the other in which they use the opportunities in harnessing revenues for themselves.”

“States can brand themselves in the area of sports, tourism, and generate revenue. For instance, if you talk about Akwa Ibom, can the state begin to see itself as aquarian state?

“When we take a look at Lagos, can we still say Lagos is hub? Is Ogun state not fast surpassing Lagos as most manufacturing companies are fast leaving the state as a result of tax? Now, how is Ogun state leveraging on this? He noted.

The conference, which is the sixth edition is supported by some corporate Nigerians.

Since the maiden edition of the annual conference which kicked off in Abeokuta in 2013, BJAN has been bringing together professionals and stakeholders to stimulate industry discussions on national issues.

The theme for its maiden edition was “Repositioning Centenary Brands to Align with Modern Realities” was held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

In 2014, the conference, which was held in Osogbo, Osun State had its theme as “Tourism Marketing as Catalyst for Economic Development”, while the 2015 edition held in Ibadan, Oyo State was themed

“Challenges and Prospects of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, in Nigeria- the Roles of Organisations, Government and the Media”.

Last year, the conference held in Enugu also had its theme as “Corporate Governance, Public Accountability and the Challenge of Repositioning Nigeria”.