The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), a body of advertisers controlling over 85 per cent of N100 billion advertising spend in Nigeria has included Brand Journalists of the Year and Future Leader in marketing of the Year in its 2014 awards categories to strengthen the marketing space in the country.

The Awards for Marketing Excellence 2014 will still recognize outstanding and effective marketing in the country in the following categories consumer Insights, Corporate Social Responsibility, Experiential.

Consumer Promotions, New Brand of the Year (Product or Service), Digital Marketing, Brand of the Year, Innovation of the Year (Product or Service), Campaign of the Year and Brand Manager of the Year.

ADVAN awards has become one of the most recognised rewards platforms in the Nigeria’s marketing calendar and this year ceremony would take place in Lagos on September 11, 2004 with the theme: ‘Marketing in the 21ST Century’.

Speaking on the objectives of the annual ceremony, the Executive Secretary, ADVAN, Ediri Ose-Ediale said the award is set to drive visionary and thought leadership within the marketing communication industry as well as provide forum for advertisers to discuss issues of common interest and influence developmental changes within the industry.

“We initiate and encourage the compilation of reliable statistics to aid effective marketing planning and value realization and create value based relationships with government, relevant associations and stakeholders,” she said.

It is no secret that marketing has undergone more changes during the past five years than perhaps the preceding 100 years. Staying current with the dizzying array of technologies and trends has emerged as a daunting and often frustrating task for Chief Marketing Officers.

“Today, it isn’t enough to be tech-savvy and marketing-smart.