The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has honoured 45 outstanding professionals in the Nigerian marketing communications industry with its Fellowship Award, in recognition of their excellence, leadership, and contribution to the growth of the profession.
The formal daytime conferment ceremony, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was a gathering of top regulators, industry veterans, and brand leaders who came together to celebrate individuals whose work has significantly shaped Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications landscape.
Among those conferred with the honour were Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President, Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN); Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President, Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN); Mrs. Ada Adheke, Managing Director/CEO, Peacock Media Nigeria; Prince Fatiu Akiolu, Managing Director/CEO, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA); and Mr. Stephen Oluwatoyin Onaivi, Managing Director, mediaReach OMD.
They joined 40 other distinguished practitioners as members of ARCON’s Body of Fellows, the highest echelon of professional recognition within Nigeria’s advertising industry.
A Call to Responsibility, Not Just Recognition”, ARCON DG
In his keynote address, ARCON’s Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, described the Fellowship as “the zenith of professional attainment,” emphasizing that it recognizes both achievement and responsibility.
“This conferment is in recognition of excellence, dedication, and impact,” Dr. Fadolapo said. “But beyond honour, it is a call to greater responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and mentor the next generation of practitioners.”
He reaffirmed ARCON’s commitment to driving ethical practice, innovation, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s marketing communications ecosystem.
Selection Process Rooted in Merit and Integrity
Chairman of the Fellowship Selection Committee and immediate past President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Mr. Emmanuel Ajufo, explained that the selection process was thorough, fair, and grounded in merit.
He noted that 48 applications were reviewed, out of which 45 professionals were found deserving after careful evaluation of their professional records, ethical standards, and measurable contributions to the advancement of advertising in Nigeria.
“The Fellowship is not an honorary title; it is earned through consistent performance and integrity,” Ajufo stated. “Every name on this list represents years of excellence, leadership, and service to our industry.”
Fellowship: A Symbol of Professional Distinction
Since its establishment under the 1988 Advertising Practitioners Registration Act, now replaced by the ARCON Act 2022, the Fellowship category has remained the Council’s highest recognition of professional distinction.
To qualify, candidates must have been full members for at least 15 years, maintained unblemished ethical records, and demonstrated outstanding achievements or leadership within the industry.
This year’s class of Fellows reflects the diversity and dynamism of Nigeria’s marketing communications ecosystem, spanning advertising, media, experiential, outdoor, client-side marketing, and regulatory leadership.
Celebrating Excellence and Legacy
As applause filled the bright ballroom, the mood captured the spirit of excellence that defines the Nigerian advertising profession. For ARCON, it was a reaffirmation of its mission to uphold integrity and celebrate distinction.
For the 45 new Fellows, the conferment represented not just recognition but a renewed pledge to nurture the next generation, champion innovation, and preserve the ethical standards that strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s marketing communications industry.
