Oyo State Acting Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, has advised practitioners in the outdoor communication industry to uphold the standard of professionalism and compliance in their operations.
Lawal gave this charge on Friday, 16 August, 2024, during the 39th edition of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), with the theme: ‘Redefining OOH Media in Nigeria: The Practice, the Business and Value Creation,’ held at De-Signature Hotels and Towers, Jericho, Ibadan.
He noted that the out of home advertising industry plays a critical role in shaping the visual landscape of the state, noting that collaborative efforts are essential to ensure that the landscape is not only vibrant and dynamic but also orderly and well-regulated.
This, he noted, would enhance the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings through structures erected and communicated messages.
Lawal, who advised the practitioners to ensure that out of home advertising spaces are free of rancour and that they adhere to rules and regulations to avoid any form of crisis, especially during electioneering period, said the practitioners play roles that are significant to everyone.
While appreciating the outdoor advertising practitioners for their contributions to the development of Oyo State, the Acting Governor equally charged them to maximise the opportunity in the state for business, stressing that the state is open for business.
He added that the Governor ‘Seyi Makinde administration has created an enabling environment that supports business growth, innovation, and the ease of doing businesses and that it would not relent until it achieves the vision of fully expanding the economy of the state.
He said: “It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to you all as you gather here in Oyo State, the Pacesetter State, for the 39th edition of your Annual General Meeting.
“Your presence in our state reflects our shared vision for progress, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in the outdoor advertising industry.
“Oyo State has long been recognised as a leader in cultural heritage and economic development. From the historic city of Ibadan, which stands as a beacon of intellectual and political significance, to the thriving agricultural and industrial sectors that drive our economy, Oyo State has always been at the forefront of Nigeria’s growth and advancement.
“We are a state rich in history, innovation and resilience, and we are proud to be the Pacesetter State—a title that embodies our commitment to setting standards and leading by example.
“As you engage in discussions and deliberations during this AGM, I would like to highlight the importance of collaboration between your esteemed association and the government.
“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 sanitised and organised 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.
“Furthermore, 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.”
In his remarks, the Director-General , Oyo State Signage and Advertising Agency (OYSAA), Oludolapo Eso, said the agency is undertaking rigorous sanitation exercises to maintain a clean and organised outdoor ecosystem in Oyo State.
The OYSAA DG added that the agency would soon oversee the proper enumeration and reorganisation of billboards, removal of dilapidated and substandard structures and address the cluster issue that has plagued the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President of the Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Mr Sola Akinsiku, appreciated the state government for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
On the entourage of the Acting Governor were the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Mrs Dotun Olaitan and the Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-economic Development, Dr Morohunkola Thomas, among other dignitaries.
