Governor Advises Outdoor Practitioners on Restricted Products

By Raheem Akingbolu

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has challenged members of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN)) on the need for close monitoring and supervision to restrict advertising for such products as alcohol and tobacco, within a set of radius of schools, parks and residential areas.

The governor has also advised the practitioners to avoid indiscriminate placement of billboards to deface the environment and that members should take the extra care of the beauty and aesthetics of environment.

Okowa made the statement during the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the association in Asaba in Delta State. The theme of the meeting was ‘Managing Our Business Profitably in a Recession ‘

The governor, who was represented by the state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barrister Mary Iyasere, said as a result of the wide reach of the activities of the association, there is the important need for close monitoring and supervision to restrict advertising for such products as alcohol and tobacco, within a set of radius of schools, parks and residential areas. “It is important to avoid indiscriminate placement of billboards to deface the environment. I sincerely think that your members would always take the extra care of the beauty and aesthetics of environment” Okowa said.

He also implored the outdoor advertising practitioners to come up with suggestions for solutions to the numerous difficulties that face outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

In his welcome address at the occasion, the President of the association, Mr. Tunde Adedoyin while admitting that the association has been facing some challenges in recent times, reeled out his scorecard in his first two years in office.

He said his tenure has strengthened the bond of unity amongst members in relating with one another in the area of business and social interaction. He also made reference to the setting up of a library within the body’s Secretariat within the years under review.

Adedoying also pointed out that the association has recorded success in conducting a detailed research work on outdoor advertising industry as well as being able to facilitate negotiations with the APC as a party to pay the debts owed some outdoor advertising agencies.

Other achievements as reeled out by the president included the review of the association’s constitution, investiture of new quality and eminent Nigerians as patrons, amongst other achievements.