The Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) has rewarded its past leaders who have contributed to the growth of outdoor advertising industry in the last three decades.
The maiden event tagged “Night of the Legends” was held on 9th of December, 2020 at the banquet hall of the exquisite Country Club in highbrow, Ikeja G.R.A., Lagos.
Three former presidents of the association, Chief Foluso Babu Akinbobola, High Chief JAS Kolawole Oyekan and Pa Simeon Olaghere were honoured on the occasion of the industry event.
The glamorous event lived up to its billing as it attracted dignitaries from the advertising industry and beyond. Among the dignitaries at the occasion was the doyen of advertising and chairman of Troyka Holdings, Biodun Shobanjo; Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) Registrar, Lekan Fadolapo; Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Managing Director, Prince Adedamola Docemo; Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) President, Emmanuel Ajufo; Media Independent Practitioners of Nigeria (MIPAN) President, Femi Adelusi and many others.
In his welcome address, OAAN President Emmanuel Ajufo eulogized the past leaders of the outdoor advertising industry, noting that their selfless service and sacrifice have put the industry in good stead.
‘Without the selfless service of our past leaders, we will not be where we are today. In recognition of this, we are honouring these exemplary men of honour who have served the association in the past. The Nite of the Legends will now form part of our bi-annual functions as an association. We hope this recognition will further encourage our good people to offer their time and resources to the growth of the association.”
The Guest Speaker, Babajide Ogunsanwo, in his presentation noted that the present economic exigencies require outdoor advertising to move beyond the traditional role of informing the people.
He stated that a lot of empathy should be integrated in delivering offerings to the people especially at this critical period of Covid-19 pandemic.
According to him, ‘’ Instead of business such as outdoor advertising just offering services, they could enter into business partnerships and mergers which could impact positively on business and the economy.’’
‘’Prior to this time, what we have seen are a lot of business complaining that policies are not favourable, but business need to make specific recommendations and provide timeline, businesses also need to show the way such policies will impact sectors and the economy’’, he said.
Chief Foluso Akinbobola got the main award while the duo of Chief JAS Kolawole Oyekan and Pa Simeon Olaghere got posthumous awards for their contributions to the outdoor advertising industry in Nigeria.
The epoch-making event of the 30-year old association was seen by industry players and watchers as a landmark achievement by the Emmanuel Ajufo led association. It was the first time a special event was hosted to specifically honour past heroes of the association.
Recall that in the past, the association had always honoured its patrons through the annual poster awards.
