The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has honoured the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; advertising industry veteran, Dr Biodun Shobanjo; and other industry leaders, brands and agencies for their contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The recognition took place at the maiden edition of the ARCON Special Recognition Awards (ASRA), held last Friday, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The theme of the ceremony was; “An Evening of Many Honours.” It united government representatives, advertising practitioners, corporate organisations and industry associations to celebrate professional excellence, ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
Mohammed Idris received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to public relations, media entrepreneurship and strategic communication. A Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and an Associate Registered Practitioner of Advertising, he has spent more than three decades in communication, journalism and public relations. His contributions include founding Bifocal Communications and establishing media organisations such as Blueprint Newspapers, The Market magazine, WE FM and Blueprint FM.
Dele Alake was also honoured for his contributions to journalism, strategic communication and public service. A former editor of Sunday Concord and National Concord, he served as Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy between 1999 and 2007 before becoming Vice Chairman of TVC Communications. His recognition follows the Fellowship of ARCON conferred on him earlier in 2026.
Other industry figures recognised included Professor Osaren Emokpae, chairman of Mindshare Communications; Oluwafunmilayo Onabolu, founder of Centa Group; the late Chief Simeon Olaghere; Dotun Okunbanjo; Ifeayichukwu Moemeke; Olu Falomo; the late Tolulope Ogunkoya; Dr Biodun Shobanjo; Steve Omojafor; Akin Odunsi; and Babu Akinbobola.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, emphasised the influence of advertising on public opinion, consumer behaviour and societal values. He called on industry practitioners to uphold truthfulness, transparency, fairness and accountability, noting that responsible advertising protects consumers, strengthens public trust and enhances the credibility of the profession.
Ukaire also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the ministry and ARCON in strengthening regulatory frameworks and supporting developments within Nigeria’s creative economy.
ARCON Director-General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, said the awards were introduced to complement the council’s regulatory and enforcement responsibilities by recognising individuals and organisations whose work has contributed to the industry’s development.
According to him, regulation alone cannot build a strong advertising industry, making it necessary to celebrate professionals who demonstrate excellence, innovation and commitment to established standards.
He stated, “The awards is industry-driven, with a committee comprising senior practitioners with credible and unblemished records to ensure that the recognition maintained the integrity and stature expected of an industry benchmark.
He noted that the awards also provided an opportunity to recognise pioneers whose contributions shaped the industry, including those being honoured posthumously. He said their achievements would help younger practitioners understand the industry’s history and appreciate the foundations of contemporary advertising practice.
Chairman of the ASRA Planning Committee and Group Managing Director of Omnicom Media Group, West and Central Africa, Yinka Adebayo, explained that the selection process involved nominations, eligibility screening, technical assessment, public voting, jury review and final ratification. An independent audit firm also verified the process.
Chairman of the Advertising Standards Panel, Dr Emmanuel Agu, stressed that compliance with advertising standards protects consumers, strengthens brand reputation and promotes fair competition. He urged brands and agencies to recognise ethical advertising as an essential part of responsible business practice.
Beyond individual honours, the awards recognised brands and agencies across several sectors. Peak Milk and Noah’s Ark featured in the food category, while Chicken Republic and Wild Fusion Digital Marketing were recognised in hotels, restaurants and cafés. Coca-Cola Nigeria and Algorithm received recognition in the non-alcoholic beverages category, while Moniepoint and mediaReach OMD were acknowledged in fintech.
Other recipients included Fidelity Bank in banking, Airtel Africa and The Hook Creative Agency in telecommunications, Jumia and PHD Media Nigeria in e-commerce, National Open University of Nigeria and Media Seal in education, Lekki Gardens and Rench Agency in real estate, and Beiersdorf in body care. Showmax received the Made in Nigeria recognition, while the National Orientation Agency was named Public Information Campaign of the Year.
Additional honours went to mediaReach OMD for Brand Reinvention and Innovation, Moniepoint Nigeria for Excellence in Customer Response Management, and Tolaram Group for Excellence in Sponsorship Marketing.
The awards also recognised organisations and practitioners whose work has advanced advertising compliance, public communication, brand innovation and consumer engagement.
Through the maiden ASRA, ARCON reinforced its commitment to promoting professionalism and responsible advertising while recognising the people and organisations contributing to the industry’s growth. The ceremony highlighted the need for creativity and commercial success to go hand in hand with ethical responsibility, consumer protection and adherence to regulatory standards.
