Broadcasting
AAAN Announces 17th Edition of LAIF Awards
The 17th edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) tagged ‘All ideas are welcome’ will hold on 26th November 2022. This was announced at a press conference held at the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) secretariat in Lagos.
L-R: Henry Akpede, Board member, Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards, Kemi Awonusi, Director, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Steve Babaeko, President, AAAN, Lanre Adisa, Chairman, LAIF Awards, Segun Akinyemiju, Project Manager, LAIF Awards at the LAIF Awards press conference yesterday in Lagos
In his opening remark, the President, AAAN, and CEO, X3M Ideas, Steve Babaeko, stated that the LAIF Awards is a major milestone, each year, for AAAN, aimed at recognizing creative talents and challenging others to do better.
“The frontier of creativity is in a state of constant evolution. This year, the LAIF awards will reflect the award’s commitment to advocating and rewarding creativity and its commitment to becoming a top-recognized awards platform in Africa.
“We are improving the skills and craftsmanship of creatives in the industry with this award. Those who do not emerge winners are challenged to try again next year,” he said.
The Chairman, LAIF Awards, and CEO, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, Lanre Adisa, reiterated the focus behind the awards initiative, which is in its 17th edition, as one that encompasses all creativity which is the reason for this year’s theme, ‘All Ideas are welcome’ and applauded the growth and reputation the awards has enjoyed so far.
“This year’s LAIF Awards will be focused on diverse and inclusive creativity welcoming people from all walks of life.
“We are at a stage where companies looking to engage the service of a creative advertising company use the LAIF awards as the benchmark for their selection on whom to invite for a pitch.
“With the LAIF Awards online portal, borne out of the challenges that came with the pandemic and our commitment to reward, regardless, we have seen more submissions of entries. Last year, we had over 700 entries and we are hopeful there will be an increase in entries this year,” he said.
This year, the LAIF awards will be a hybrid event and run from the 21st to the 26th of November, starting with the nominations party, followed by the Young LAIFERS, a 2-day LAIF seminar, and the awards event which will take place on the 26th of November.
The Young LAIFERS which is directed at encouraging under-30 years practitioners in the industry will be open to youths in the tertiary institutions and the winner of the Authentic African Story Awards, a special awards that was endowed by Mr. Lare Awokoya, Chairman TBWA Concept, will go home with 1 million naira. This year will also see the return of the Viewers’ Choice Awards.
With ten categories and over 30 jurors, the organizers guarantee the credibility of the judging process as the jurors for the Awards will comprise stellar industry figures comprising of advertising practitioners as well as those behind the scenes such as photographers, cinematographers, content writers, independent professionals and clients who will infuse the process with the credibility they have earned over the years.
The press conference was attended by the Director of AAAN, Kemi Awonusi, President, Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN) Clara Okoro, LAIF Awards Board member, Henry Akpede, and members of the press.
The LAIF Awards is the brainchild of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and seeks to reward creative excellence and promote the spirit of healthy competition in the creative industry.
Broadcasting
Anambra State Government Launches SolutionLens to Drive Transparency and Citizen Engagement
Anambra State Government has launched SolutionLens, a technology-driven platform aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.
The platform, developed through a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, the Ministry of Information, and the Anambra State ICT Agency, was unveiled on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Solution Innovation District (SID) Building in Awka.
Speaking at the launch, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, described SolutionLens as a democratic tool that simplifies the Open Government Partnership (OGP) process.
She emphasized its role in planning, budgeting, and fostering investor confidence through community-based feedback mechanisms.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ogochukwu Orji, the State Coordinator of OGP, noted that SolutionLens is designed to shine a light on public projects, empowering citizens to ask questions, hold the government accountable, and ensure resources are used for the common good.
Key Features of SolutionLens
Centralized digital hub for government projects
Interactive maps with a user-friendly interface
Live chat feature to connect citizens directly with MDAs
A live demonstration of the platform was conducted, followed by the formal inauguration of MDA focal persons, who will ensure the platform remains updated and responsive.
Participants commended Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, for this forward-thinking initiative, describing SolutionLens as a game-changer in governance.
The government urged citizens to actively engage with the platform and spread awareness, emphasizing that this initiative will safeguard the integrity and prosperity of Anambra State for generations to come.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has been named among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025,” a prestigious recognition celebrating visionary leadership in technology-driven governance.
Governor Alia’s administration has prioritized digital inclusion and ICT development, introducing groundbreaking initiatives that position Benue State at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital economy. Under his leadership, the government has established three key institutions: the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), and the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management and Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).
Since assuming office, Alia has launched several digital initiatives, including training over 40,000 civil servants in e-governance tools and equipping 10,000 youths with digital skills. Additionally, the government has set up 276 e-commerce hubs across council wards to support local businesses and young entrepreneurs.
The BDIC, a core driver of Benue’s tech transformation, has spearheaded projects in digital financial inclusion, AI education, and broadband expansion. The state has also partnered with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to establish digital training hubs in all local government areas, targeting 23,000 trainees annually.
Alia’s recognition as one of Nigeria’s top digital leaders will be formalized at the West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2025, scheduled for May 22 at The Colosseum, Lagos. The annual event, organized by Knowhow Media, brings together policymakers and innovators shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
Speaking on the selection process, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chairman of the 2025 Nomination Committee, praised Alia’s contribution, describing his digital initiatives as “transformational steps that set the benchmark for technology-driven governance.”
Previous editions of the 50MVPs in Nigeria’s Digital Economy have honored notable figures such as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and NDPC CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
Governor Alia’s reforms reflect a broader shift towards digital governance in Nigeria, highlighting the potential of technology to drive inclusive economic growth and efficient public administration.
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