Director General of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, says the newly launched journal of Advertising and Marketing Communications will help deepen the advertising profession in Nigeria.
Dr. Fadolapo who stated this in his remark at the second edition of the Advertising Industry Colloquium (AIC) and launch of the journal on Thursday in Lagos said the death of books and journal on Nigerian advertising industry has been a major concern to both the academics and professionals as it hampers the training of well baked students.
According to the DG, the new journal will serve as case studies for the training of marketing and advertising students and future professionals as it will serves as a bridge between the research works in academia and the case studies from the industry.
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“One of the greatest achievement over time from this journal is the fact that we even have foreign contributors, for the first edition, we have people from other countries who are pushing to be part of it, now we can imagine where this will go because from this edition, this journal will be cited as an authority when you are doing your research, thesis and when you need to to make presentations or share relevant document.”
Earlier in his opening address, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Mr. Sunny Baba commended the ARCON for its effort at sanitizing the advertising industry in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the Colloquium, themed “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Advertising Education and Practice in Nigeria” the minister said the colloquium’s objectives buttressed President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
“We are gathered here today to explore how the latest technological advancements can be integrated into our marketing communications, education, and practice. This colloquium is not just a meeting of minds but a convergence of innovation, creativity, and foresight aimed at propelling our industry into the future in line with our nation’s vision for a prosperous and technologically advanced Nigeria”, the minister noted in his message.
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According to him, the colloquium’s objectives which included robust interactions between academia and industry; examining current marketing communication issues; sensitizing students and academics to the demands of a digitized era; and discussing trends in creative advertising, media campaigns, digital marketing, and regulations are crucial for driving the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.
Speaking further, the Minister commended ARCON’s innovative idea of involving students from institutions of higher learning in its various programmes, thereby empowering youths, creating jobs, and most importantly ensuring sustainable economic growth.
In his own remark, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Advertising said the aim is to produce graduates who will hit the ground running and also develop quality manpower for the sector.
The journal, a body of profound works that could be cited in academic papers, thesis and doctoral dissertations, is a comprehensive compilation of insightful and in-depth works contributed by scholars from around the globe. It promises to enhance the body of knowledge within the advertising industry.
The event also featured a pitch competition among six universities, making presentations on combating the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria. Covenant University won the top prize of one million naira with their campaign “The High is Never Enough.”
In the first and second runners-up places are the University of Ilorin and Lagos State University winning 750,000 naira and 500,000 naira, respectively. Federal University, Kashere, Ebonyi State University and Rivers State University also got 250,000 consolation prizes.