Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BJAN) has unveiled a distinguished roster of speakers and panelists for its 2025 Annual Conference, an event designed to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of marketing and business operations across Nigeria. 

Themed “AI and Future of Marketing Workflow: Disruption or Opportunity,” this year’s conference will take place on November 28, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The annual gathering, now regarded as one of the most influential knowledge-sharing platforms in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications (IMC) space, will bring together leaders from advertising, public relations, technology, fintech, banking, telecommunications, and brand management. 

With AI rapidly transforming how brands engage consumers and optimize marketing processes, the 2025 edition aims to help industry players deepen their understanding of emerging trends and the innovations shaping tomorrow’s marketplace.

This year’s conference will be chaired by Mr. Udeme Ufot, Group Chief Executive Officer of SO&U Limited, one of the country’s leading advertising agencies. 

Renowned for his role in advancing creative excellence and strategic communication, Ufot is expected to steer discussions toward the technological shifts redefining marketing practice globally.

The conference features a diverse mix of experts who are driving transformation across industries. 

Key speakers include: Dr. Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Corporate Communications, Interswitch Group; Mr. Folajimi Daodu, Chief Executive Officer, Vault Hill; Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, Director-General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group.

Their presentations will highlight major opportunities in AI adoption, regulatory considerations, and the evolving expectations of stakeholders in a digital-first economy.

A major highlight of the event will be the panel discussion featuring a blend of seasoned professionals and innovators from technology, banking, and marketing; Emma Adeniran, ICT Expert; Morolake Emokpaire, Marketing Lead, Cadbury Nigeria Plc; Lanre Basamta, CEO/Co-founder, Optimus AI Labs; Austin Onyebuchi Akosa, Chief Information Officer, UBA and Dr. Seyi Akindeinde, Founder/CEO, Digital Encode.

The panel will dissect the practical realities of AI deployment—from data governance and ethical concerns to automation, customer experience enhancement, and the skills required for future-ready marketing teams.

Speaking on the vision for this year’s conference, BJAN Chairman, Mr. Daniel Obi, emphasized the critical role of AI in modern marketing. According to him, AI is no longer a distant aspiration but a powerful tool currently reshaping global industries. 

He noted that BJAN’s mission is to create a platform where industry practitioners can better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by AI adoption.

Obi said the conference will expose participants to insights that will help brands become more competitive, efficient, and consumer-centric. 

“We aim to foster constructive engagement among professionals from advertising, PR, brand management, corporate communications, and the wider IMC ecosystem,” he said.

BJAN’s annual conference has earned a reputation as a must-attend event for professionals keen on staying ahead of industry shifts. 

Over the years, the platform has facilitated knowledge exchange, strengthened industry collaboration, and injected fresh perspectives into Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape.

The 2025 edition is expected to continue this tradition by: Inspiring new ideas on AI’s role in marketing workflow optimization; Driving conversations around regulatory compliance and ethical AI usage; Connecting business leaders with technology innovators; and Providing opportunities for networking and strategic partnerships. 

As the IMC sector faces rapid digital transformation, the BJAN 2025 Annual Conference aims to equip marketers, regulators, and corporate leaders with the insights needed to navigate AI’s growing influence while harnessing its full potential.