In response to concerns raised by advertising practitioners in River State regarding the appointment of a non-professional as Managing Director of the River State Signage and Advertising Agency, (RISAA), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has stepped in to address the issues and promote harmony while reiterating its stance on regulatory adherence.
Led by Director of Membership, Joe Onuorah, a delegation from ARCON, emphasized the importance of upholding regulatory standards as outlined in ARCON law. The apex advertising regulatory agency urged all stakeholders in the state to abide by the prescribed guidelines and uphold strong ethical and professional conduct in their operations.
Regarding the appointment of Mr. Aye Pepple as MD of RISAA, ARCON revealed that he had recently received induction and certification from the agency, encouraging all practitioners in the state to embrace and collaborate with the new leadership for the advancement of growth and development.
In a parallel development, the River State government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has reached a consensus with industry practitioners concerning regulation and taxation.
During a Stakeholders Meeting at the Rubicon Centre, Port-Harcourt, both parties agreed that the Ministry would conduct site inspections and communicate findings to the River State Signage Agency for necessary actions in accordance with the law.
Recall that the appointment of Mr. Aye Pepple had drawn criticism from the Advertising Practitioners Association in Port Harcourt (APAPHC), citing violations of the RISAA Law of 2015 and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022. APAPHC Chairman Dr. Dike Bekwele firmly rejected the appointment, asserting that it contravenes established regulations in the advertising industry.
