As the ‘Animals’ Rev for Optimal Show in the Ark
The CEO’s office
The Idea of the totems in agencies is quite unique. It’s made popular and uniquely owned in Nigeria by Noah’s Ark. This idea without doubt, may have been inspired by the name of the Lanre Adisa’s agency and its root in the Holy Books. To paraphrase the books when the God was about to destroy the human race from the face of the earth, He asked Noah as the only righteous man, to build an Ark and keep in the belly of the ark every species of animals so that they can survive the imminent destruction. And Noah did so even when he was being sniggered at. Alas! the flood came, wiped off every living creature safe those (preserved) in the Ark’s belly.
Naoh’s Ark staff’s totems collage has remained one of the most prized constant factors in the agency wherever it’s located, noticeable is the fact that it’s degree of prominence and space grows with the organization, you cannot miss it, rather the collage jumps at you- imagine the Cat Snake, Dragon, Lion, Dove, Tiger, Gorilla, Dog just name it, all welcoming you to their wonderful zoo. Each staff here is an animal with pride. The first day he/she becomes a staff he’s asked to choose an animal of his choice and a painting (oil on canvass) is made and hung among others.
From a modest beginning on Allen/Toyin Roundabout axis of Ikeja, space was a visible constraint for the young agency, Noah’s Ark which strategically acquired the relics of an earlier AAAN registered agency.
It’s entry strategy, outstanding creative prowess and calculated growth trajectory, all ensured the shop hit the ground running. Hence, in earlier than expected time frame, the agency moved out of its maiden office to a more befitting, spacious and more business-like office location in the serene Maryland area of Lagos.
Once again, the agency with focused growth plan, although L. A as Adisa is fondly called will always tell whoever cares to listen that he chose by design, to run a small tight and nimble agency but the agency in quick successions have defied that notion. It shows obvious organic growth indices having emerged as one of the most loved agency to work with both in terms of learning and pedigrees built on solid creativity, excellent client service and overall professionalism all of which have helped in positioning the agency as one of the best around.
This is evident in its performances in local and international awards. Within its less than a decade of existence, numerous awards adorn its awards and recognitions gallery, many too numerous to count including Lürzer’s Archive, African Cristal and Loeries. The agency also stands as one of the best rated creative agencies in Nigeria. However, Noah’s Ark like other forward looking Nigerian agencies having record some appreciable pedigree on the African space, continues to inch its way to the prestigious Cannes Lions festival awards. Lanre Adisa who had never hidden his liking to running a well knitted, “small” and nimble agency at a point had to be fully awake to the reality of the day as every space in the Maryland’s two wings duplex office apartment became grossly inadequate owing to the growing list of local and multinational businesses on the agency’s clientele. Hence, the management’s decision to look elsewhere for a world class ambience for staffers to perform optimally in their responsibilities.
Off the agency moved to its well cut new office, a purpose built office for ease of operation. Apart from the main building touched up to make an impressive ark which houses the creative power house of the agency in its belly, the agency put up four other new structures to complement the agency’s support services requirements, staff welfare, intellectual development and welfare & leisure.
At the stairway of the well apportioned office are placed the framed totems of each member of staff from the gentle dove to the lion – titled king of the jungle and tens of other animals’ totems. For instance, LA comes as the evasive cat but one cannot deny its penchant for cursory study, on-point swift moves and staying power. Remember the legend – ‘the cat with nine lives’, never say die! The cat totem sits well with LA. This plays out in the way LA sits in his new lightly but tastefully furnished office keeping a bird’s eye view on everything. He backs vast window that overlooks the main gate, at the creak of the gate he notices anyone before he gains access. Vantage position!
Occupying the office in the opposite direction is the ‘Dragon’ – that spits fire, the agency’s number two man, Abolaji Alausa, Executive Creative Director. Either this Dragon or not, he complements the Cat, in between them nest other kinds of animals and they run a system that works.
A further tour of the new office reveals a relatively large team working principally in strategic teams. Teams Grey, White and Black each with its full compliments of staff is saddled with the responsibility of managing some businesses in the agency’s portfolio. Meanwhile, the Airtel business has a dedicated team that breaths, sleeps, wakes, eats and romances the brand. The team has the untiring writer, Michael Gbolade the ‘Puma’ as Group Head while Solomon Osafile the ‘Rat’ is Art Director on the business. Maurice Ugwonoh, the ‘Raptor’ as Associate Creative Director nests on the ground floor overseeing the Airtel team. He supports the gentle but fire spitting Bolaji as creative crack team reporting to the ‘Cat’. This trio serves as the creative barometer of the agency. Yes, still in the belly of the Ark are two boardrooms one upstairs and the other down with the reception on the ground floor. Of significant note is this ‘well made up’, transparent glassed, air-tight ‘idle space’, not a single piece of furniture but only a tempered multi-coloured rug covering the floor. It’s called the ‘Inspiration room’. You feel bored or suffer a writer’s block, need some clear-head to think up the big idea, this is the place to nail it!
Lying at the back of the well mowed complex are purposed built structures accommodating the café/knowledge centre, a spin-off audio visual company, Underdog led by Kanso Ogbolu. Of course, the Finance, HR & Admin and IT office are also well accommodated for optimal performance.
Great investment one might say, considering upscale world-class environment, but it’s already paying off. Soon after settling in, the agency was announced the winner of the keenly contested Heritage Bank’s advertising business pitch. This is the first baking business Noah’s Ark will be handling in it’s about a decade of existence. Talk about a new vista and expanding the horizon as the animals are off to a good start in the Ark. Welcome to new the Ark. {fcomments}
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