Marketing professionals, brand strategists, and business leaders recently gathered in Victoria Island, Lagos, for the latest edition of Brands & Banter, a growing industry event designed to redefine how professionals connect, learn, and collaborate in Nigeria’s marketing ecosystem.
The event, held at Bature Breweries, brought together a diverse mix of practitioners across marketing communications, advertising, media, and public relations. It was organised by brands and marketing expert, Raphael Idu, who convened the platform to address what he described as a longstanding gap in engaging, experience-driven industry gatherings.
During the event, the panel discussion centred on the theme, “Do great brands follow a brand playbook or abandon it in times of crisis?” The session sparked candid discussions around brand agility, real-time decision-making, and the realities of navigating uncertainty in today’s fast-changing market.
The panel featured leading voices in the industry, including Marketing and Brand Strategist and Founder of Why Finite, Bolaji Junaid; Marketing Communications Leader, Co-founder of HKA and Founder of Mr. Casava, Henry Akpede; Brand Strategist and Head of Brand and Communication at Smartcash PSB (Airtel Nigeria), Kelly Amoju; and Award-winning Marketing Leader and Marketing Manager at 7-Up Bottling Company, Yewande Abigail Ade-alao.
Participants at the event engaged in a mix of expert-led conversations, interactive sessions, and informal networking, reflecting the event’s distinctive blend of professional insight and relaxed atmosphere.
Speaking after the event, Raphael Idu said the strong turnout and level of engagement underscored the need for a different kind of industry platform.
“We created Brands & Banter because the industry needed a space that is not just informative, but human. The energy in the room showed that professionals are looking for real conversations, shared experiences, and a community where they can learn without the rigidity of traditional events,” he said.
Also commenting, Bolaji Junaid highlighted the relevance of the theme to modern brand building.
ALSO READ: BLACK AT LAUNCHES “THROUGH HER LENS” TO TACKLE GENDER INEQUALITY IN LAGOS
“What stood out for me was the honesty in the room. We moved beyond theory and spoke about what actually happens when pressure hits brands. That kind of openness is rare and incredibly valuable for anyone serious about building resilient brands,” he noted.
For Kelly Amoju, the event delivered both insight and connection.
“Brands & Banter strikes a unique balance between depth and ease. You’re learning from top professionals, but you’re also connecting in a way that feels natural. That’s where real collaboration begins,” she said.
Industry observers say the success of the event reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s marketing landscape, where professionals are increasingly seeking platforms that combine knowledge-sharing with authentic engagement.
With its mix of insight, interaction, and community-building, Brands & Banter is positioning itself as a recurring hub for marketing professionals looking to stay relevant and connected in an evolving industry. The next edition of Brands & Banter is scheduled to hold on April 29, 2026.
By
