Oyo Acting Governor Tasks OOH Stakeholders on Professionalism, Collaboration
By Azeez Disu
The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal has urged Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising practitioners and other stakeholders to be innovative, adhere to professionalism, abide by regulations, and collaborate with the government to sanitize the OOH advertising industry.
He made the call at the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) held in Ibadan at the weekend. Noteworthy, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State who is currently on vacation recently handed over power to his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
Lawal explained that Seyi Makinde’s administration is committed to the growth of every industry with its ease of doing business policies. He therefore called for the erection of innovative outdoor advertising boards that not only communicate a brand message but beautify the environment and make the city come alive.
He said “The outdoor advertising industry plays a critical role in shaping the visual landscape of our cities and it is essential that we work together to ensure that this landscape is not only vibrant and dynamic but also orderly and well-regulated.
“We are committed to maintaining a sanitized and organized advertising space in Oyo State. To achieve this, we must hold practitioners accountable to the highest standards of professionalism and compliance. The structures you erect should not only communicate messages effectively but also enhance the aesthetic beauty of their surroundings. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these structures contribute positively to the visual environment, adding to the charm and appeal of our cities and towns.”
He explained further that during the election season, outdoor advertising recorded high patronage and also was the indiscriminate display of posters around the state. He tasked OOH Stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities in the OOH landscape in the state, pledging to continue to work with OAAN to grow the industry.
“During election season, the role of outdoor advertising becomes even more significant. We must collaborate to ensure that the advertising space remains orderly, that rules are strictly adhered to, and that our state remains a model of civility and decorum during this critical period.
“Oyo State is open for business, and we are committed to creating an environment that supports growth, innovation, and the ease of doing business. We value your contributions to our state’s development, and we are here to support you in every way possible. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities that our state offers and to be a part of the exciting journey we are on to build a brighter and more prosperous future for all,” he said.
Earlier, Sola Akinsiku, OAAN President in his welcome address said the bill for a Charter Out-of-Home Media Asset Ownership and Practice in Nigeria currently in the National Assembly when passed into law will solve some of the challenges facing the OOH industry. He pointed out the nonadvertising aspects of its practice which the bill now seeks to protect include the allocation of sites, environmental standards, engineering standards entry/exit barriers, safety standards, and others.
He said, “We have realized that the OOH practice in Nigeria stands on two legs. There is the advertising leg which has to do with content. This is effectively managed by ARCON. But, there is also the other leg relating to the platform locations/sites, which directly impacts the environment. This nonadvertising leg has been a cause of worry and challenges to business sustainability over the years.
“With this bill, the advertising aspect of OOH practice which rests in the hands of ARCON is intact and all obligations will continuously be fulfilled. However, the Bill when passed into law will bring order to the aspect that relates to the acquisition and ownership of billboard locations. It will remove the ambiguity and inconsistencies currently associated with this aspect of the business.”