ARCON honours Shobanjo, Alake, Idris, other industry leaders at 2026 awards

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has honoured leading advertising professionals, government officials, corporate brands, agencies and institutions for their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s advertising industry and commitment to ethical standards.

The recognition took place at the 2026 ARCON Special Recognition Awards (ASRA), held on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, under the theme, “An Evening of Many Honours.”

Among those recognised were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake; and advertising industry veteran, Dr Biodun Shobanjo.

Other recipients included Professor Osaren Emokpae, Oluwafunmilayo Onabolu, the late Chief Simeon Olaghere, Dotun Okunbanjo, Ifeayichukwu Moemeke, Sir Chief Olu Falomo and the late Tolulope Ogunkoya.

Also honoured were the late Olaniyi Babatunde, Chief Ayodele Owoborode, Senator Akin Odunsi, Sir Steve Omojafor, George Thorpe, Emmanuel Ekunno and Babu Akinbobola.

The ceremony brought together stakeholders from advertising, marketing communications, government and the corporate sector to celebrate contributions to the industry’s growth, including those of deceased professionals whose legacies continue to influence advertising practice.

Speaking on behalf of Idris, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, congratulated the recipients and urged them to sustain their contributions to national development.

Ukaire highlighted advertising’s influence on public opinion, consumer behaviour and societal values, stressing the need for transparency, fairness and accountability.

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“Truthfulness, transparency, fairness, and accountability must therefore remain the foundation of the industry. Responsible advertising protects consumers, defends public truth and enhances the credibility of the profession,” he said.

He warned that commercial success should not come at the expense of ethical standards and public interest, describing the awards as an important initiative for celebrating excellence while reinforcing compliance with industry regulations.

ARCON emphasises professional legacy

The Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, said the awards recognised individuals and organisations whose dedication, innovation and professional contributions had significantly influenced the industry.

He said the lifetime achievement and posthumous categories were particularly important in acknowledging the foundations laid by earlier generations of advertising practitioners.

“We have a great history as an industry and this ceremony is to acknowledge the significant impact of individuals who made the industry what it is today,” Fadolapo said.

Chairman of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), Dr Emmanuel Agu, stressed that regulatory compliance remained essential to consumer protection, brand reputation and fair competition.

He said advertising standards helped ensure that commercial communications remained truthful, decent and responsible while reflecting societal values.

According to Agu, the recognition was intended not only to reward compliance but also to celebrate organisations demonstrating that creativity and innovation could thrive alongside ethical responsibility.

Yinka Adebayo, Chairman of ASRA and Group Managing Director of Omnicom Media Group, West and Central Africa, said the awards were designed to encourage professionals who continued to uphold industry standards.

He expressed hope that the recognition would inspire greater commitment to excellence and contribute to the industry’s continued development.

Brands, agencies receive sector awards

Several brands and agencies were recognised across different sectors of the economy.

In the food category, Peak Milk, from Nestlé, was honoured alongside Noah’s Ark. Chicken Republic and Wild Fusion Digital Marketing featured in Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés, while Coca-Cola Nigeria and Algorithm received recognition in the non-alcoholic category.

Moniepoint and mediaReach OMD were recognised in fintech, while Pernod Ricard received honours in alcohol. Other recipients included GSLC Media in aviation; BetKing and X3M Ideas in betting; HP Computing Nigeria and Brandlife in computers and electronics; and Airtel Africa and The Hook Creative Agency in telecommunications.

Jumia and PHD Media Nigeria were recognised in e-commerce, while the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Media Seal received honours in education.

Lekki Gardens and Rench Agency were recognised in real estate and property, while TGI Distribution and Starcom Media featured in medical and pharmaceuticals. Beiersdorf received recognition 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 highlighted the expanding scope of Nigeria’s advertising industry, where creativity increasingly intersects with technology, consumer experience, public communication and corporate reputation.

ARCON’s recognition of professionals, brands and institutions reinforced the industry’s responsibility to balance commercial performance with ethical conduct, consumer protection and regulatory compliance.