Stakeholders in the advertising industry in Oyo State have moved to strengthen regulation and promote ethical practice within the sector, as the Advertising Practitioners Association, Oyo State Chapter (APAOC), paid a courtesy visit to the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Ibadan Zonal Office.

The delegation, which was received by the Zonal Head, Mrs. Hadiza Bello, sought enhanced collaboration aimed at improving professionalism, compliance, and regulatory enforcement in the state’s advertising industry.

The APAOC delegation included ARCON-registered practitioners such as Dr. Cyril Olajide, Mr. Abimbola Adebayo, Dr. Charles Alade, Asiwaju Ezra Okebisi, Rotimi Agboluaje, and Engr. Ahonkhai Peter.

Members of APAOC, drawn from various segments of the industry, noted that self-regulation would help curb unprofessional practices and strengthen public trust in advertising content and operations.

Speaking during the engagement, members of the association called for a more structured and unified professional body in Oyo State, stressing that such a framework would help promote ethical standards, compliance with ARCON guidelines, and sustainable industry growth.

They also identified issues affecting outdoor advertising, digital marketing, media placement, and related services, calling for improved monitoring and enforcement mechanisms by regulatory authorities.

The stakeholders further urged ARCON to intensify sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives to support practitioners and guide emerging professionals in the industry.

They also discussed key challenges affecting outdoor advertising, media advertising, digital platforms and other related sectors, noting the need for improved monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations.

The practitioners urged ARCON to deepen collaboration with industry stakeholders through sensitisation programmes, training workshops and stakeholder engagements, particularly for young professionals and students entering the field.

Responding, Bello welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for strengthening regulatory compliance and professionalism in the industry.

Hadiza commended the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for strengthening industry standards and promoting responsible practice.

She emphasised the importance of self-regulation, adherence to ARCON guidelines, and timely payment of statutory fees by practitioners.

She reaffirmed ARCON’s commitment to ensuring ethical compliance, regulatory enforcement, and orderly development of the advertising sector in Oyo State and across the country.
According to her, ARCON remains committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure ethical advertising practice and industry stability in Oyo State and across the country.

The association reiterated its commitment to partnering with ARCON in building a more structured, disciplined and professionally driven advertising ecosystem in the state.
It pledged continued collaboration with ARCON to build a more structured, professional, and ethically driven advertising industry.