The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has officially inducted 44 new Fellows into the advertising profession during a ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening professionalism, mentorship, and ethical standards within the industry.
Speaking at the event, ARCON Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, said plans are underway to review the criteria for fellowship appointment to reflect the evolving realities of the advertising and marketing communications ecosystem. He noted that technological advancement, shifting consumer behaviour, and changing market dynamics require continuous learning and adaptation among practitioners.
“Being a fellow is a privilege. We must all contribute and be prepared to do more,” Fadolapo stated. “Fellowship is not just a title but a call to higher responsibility. As fellows, you must be ambassadors of the profession and ensure that the next generation of advertising professionals benefits from your experience and mentorship.”
Fadolapo also reminded practitioners that operating without registration with ARCON remains a criminal offence, adding that the council remains resolute in regulating and improving the practice of advertising to meet global benchmarks.
Industry veteran and Chairman of Troyka Group, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, described the fellowship as a prestigious recognition that should carry tangible benefits for its holders. He urged stakeholders to “put heads together” to strengthen the value and relevance of the title in Nigeria’s advertising landscape.
Also speaking, Steve Babaeko, CEO of X3M Ideas and Vice President, International Advertising Association (IAA), Africa, likened the fellowship title to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) designation in the legal profession, calling it the highest honour in advertising practice. He congratulated the inductees and encouraged them to uphold professional integrity and inspire younger practitioners through exemplary conduct.
The President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Lanre Adisa, also commended the new fellows, noting that the recognition highlights their “significant contributions to the growth and credibility of Nigeria’s advertising industry.” He called on them to promote creativity, professionalism, and ethical conduct, stressing that the fast-changing media landscape presents both challenges and opportunities.
Chairman of the Fellowship Selection Committee, Emmanuel Ajufo, explained that the committee selected 44 fellows out of 48 applicants through a rigorous process. He added that the committee made recommendations to further enhance the fellowship’s structure and prestige.
In his remarks, Prof. Rotimi Olatunji, Professor of Advertising and Public Relations at Lagos State University and Chairman of the Advertising Industry Colloquium, advocated for a dedicated quota for academics in future fellowship selections, similar to the practice in the legal profession.
Among those inducted were Emme Akande of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), Brenda Nwagwu, CEO of QVT Media, Adeola Odesanya, CEO of Benevolence Treasure Ltd, Tolu Medebem, President of Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Stephen Onaivi, Managing Director of mediaReach OMD, and Kunle Ogunmefun, Founder of Bluebird Communications, among others.
The ceremony attracted top advertising executives, industry regulators, and association leaders, reaffirming ARCON’s role in promoting professionalism, innovation, and ethical excellence across Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communication sectors.