In A Bid to Foster Industry Growth, OAPAOS Executives Embark on Advocacy Visits to OYSAA, ARCON, Oyo CP, Others

News/Opinion

In A Bid to Foster Industry Growth, OAPAOS Executives Embark on Advocacy Visits to OYSAA, ARCON, Oyo CP, Others

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

As part of their advocacy efforts, the newly elected executives of the Outdoor Advertising Practitioners Association of Oyo State (OAPAOS) have begun strategic advocacy visits to key stakeholders and agencies to advance the outdoor advertising sector.

Some of the key stakeholders visited include the Director-General of the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA), Mr Eso Ajanaku; the Zonal Director of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Mrs Hadiza Bello; the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Sonubi Ayodele; and the managers of the Railway Corridor, where billboards are located, Arith and Paul Limited. These engagements aim to strengthen partnerships, promote professionalism, and address regulatory and operational challenges within the industry.

The visit also featured the introduction of the newly elected leadership, which includes: Tony Rowland Awobode, Chairman; Engr. Abe Akinbobola, General Secretary; Adedayo Labade, Treasurer; Anthony Abiodun, PRO; James O. Igene, Legal Adviser; Ezra Okebisi, Assistant PRO and Olowa Aderemilekun as the Assistant General Secretary;

Discussions focused on mutual partnerships, enforcement and compliance strategies, and aligning outdoor advertising practices with urban development goals. The OYSAA DG, Mr. Ajanaku, emphasized the need for a collaborative relationship to drive Oyo State’s development. At the same time, OYSAA’s Director of Operations, Mr. Lawal, assured the association of enhanced collaboration through the agency's enforcement committee.

While engaging with the ARCON Zonal Director, the executives discussed critical issues such as member certification under ARCON regulations, opportunities for training and professional development, and alignment with national advertising standards.

This engagement underscored OAPAOS’s commitment to adhering to regulatory frameworks and improving professional competence within the industry.

In a bid to address the security of advertising installations and measures to curb vandalism, the Oyo State CP, Sonubi Ayodele, through his representative, assured the OAPAOS leadership of proactive support to safeguard assets in the state.

During discussions with Arith and Paul Limited, the managers of the Railway Corridor, conversations centred on improving billboard management and ensuring compliance with advertising guidelines along the railway corridor.

Part of the vision of OAPAOS is to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, strengthen partnerships with regulatory agencies, promote innovative and sustainable advertising solutions, enhance member training and certification, and foster transparency and professionalism within the industry.

These advocacy visits represent a significant step toward positioning OAPAOS as a forward-thinking and proactive body committed to the growth of outdoor advertising in Oyo State.