O’tega Ogra Seeks ADVAN Presidency, Sets Out Agenda for Industry Growth

O’tega Ogra has declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), outlining an agenda focused on strengthening industry capacity, rebuilding engagement with regulators and policymakers, and expanding international collaboration for Nigeria’s marketing and advertising profession.

Ogra, who is completing his tenure as the association’s 2nd Vice President on the 2024–2026 Executive Council, announced his bid ahead of ADVAN’s Annual General Meeting, where members are expected to elect a new leadership.

ADVAN is Nigeria’s umbrella body for advertisers and brand owners, playing a central role in industry advocacy, policy engagement, professional development and the promotion of best practices across the country’s marketing communications ecosystem.

Reflecting on his stewardship on the outgoing Executive Council, Ogra said the association had made significant progress in advancing the interests of brands, marketing professionals and the wider industry.

“Thank you, Advertisers Nigeria (ADVAN), for the opportunity to serve as 2nd Vice President on the 2024–2026 Executive Council,” he said.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished together for brands, marketing professionals and the industry as a whole. It has been a privilege to contribute to strengthening our profession, deepening collaboration and supporting the continued growth of marketing and advertising practice in Nigeria,” he added.

He expressed appreciation to the outgoing President, Osamede Uwubanmwen, members of the Executive Council, the Board of Trustees, the Secretariat led by Chief Executive Officer Ediri Osa-Ediale, partners, stakeholders and everyone who contributed to the association’s achievements during the outgoing administration.

According to Ogra, ADVAN also expanded its global footprint, representing Nigeria’s marketing industry in Stockholm, Brussels, Ontario, Marrakech and Istanbul.

“Across Nigeria and in cities around the world where our work took us, from Stockholm to Brussels, Ontario, Marrakech and Istanbul, we demonstrated that a Nigerian industry body has the capacity, credibility and ambition to collaborate and compete on the world’s biggest stages,” he declared.

“We strengthened ADVAN’s voice, built new partnerships, represented Nigerian marketing and brands with distinction, and proved that our industry has both the talent and the leadership to shape conversations well beyond our borders,” he further revealed.

Announcing his decision to seek the association’s top office, Ogra said he would be asking members to entrust him with the responsibility of leading ADVAN into its next phase.

“I will therefore be seeking the mandate of my colleagues across the industry to serve as the next President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) at our Annual General Meeting,” he said, stating further “I do so with humility, a deep appreciation of the responsibility such a role demands, and a clear conviction that ADVAN’s best days still lie ahead.”

He said his priorities would include accelerating capacity development, deepening local and international collaboration, re-establishing and strengthening engagement with regulators and policymakers, supporting the establishment of an industry learning institute, and ensuring that ADVAN remains the foremost voice of brands and marketing professionals in Nigeria.

Ogra is a communications and marketing professional who serves on the executive of the , one of the world’s leading bodies representing advertisers and brand owners. He also serves as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital and New Media.