OAAN Appoints ambode as Patron

..…pleads for rates review

The Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) has appointed Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State as its Patron as it appealed to the state government to further create an enabling business environment for its members.

Specifically, the association during a courtesy visitation to the governor enjoined Ambode to constitute a board for Lagos State Advertisement Signage agency LASAA as well as review the high tariffs being charged its members.

Speaking during the visit led by its president, Mr. Babatunde Adedoyin expressed the association’s delight in conferring the prestigious title of the Patron of the association, noting that such appointment is in the tradition of the association.

His words:

“Your Excellency, by our tradition, the governor of Lagos State occupies the exalted position of patron of our association and our own dear Jagaban, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains our key patron by virtue of the love showed us during his administration. To this end, on behalf of all members of OAAN, I would like to invite you to please accept our invitation to become our Patron and be decorated accordingly.”

The OAAN president who led a six man delegation appealed to the state government to provide OAAN members with enabling business environment as OAAN and members have always supported the state in various ways in its efforts to ensure that the momentum of growth, prosperity and excellence is sustained.

He stated that the body can do more than it is currently doing, but will need the partnership and assistance of the governor in ensuring that he takes a very closer look at the current situation in the state.

Adedoyin stated that the high rates regime imposed on members during the tenure of former managing Director of LASAA, Mr. Makanjuola Alabi has remained ever, since, noting that these rate increase has sent most members out of business.

He however placed on record efforts by the current secretary to the state Government Mr. Tunji Bello during his tenure as LASAA helmsman. He expressed appreciation to Bello for his listening ears as LASAA boss.

He lamented that over 70% of members billboards in the state are still vacant, as most advertisers have abandoned the medium by diverting funds to other advertising media all because of high tariffs.

Notwithstanding the fact that business has dwindled for the practitioners, Adedoyin revealed that members are still being forced to pay a 50% surcharge on vacant boards that are not even generating any form of revenue.

He appealed to the state government to set up a board for LASAA like any other parastatal of the state government so that an avenue for appeal and negotiation can be created for the stakeholders in the business.

He assured the state government that as partners in progress, “it will be a thing of joy for us to see your administration excel. The state stands to enjoy increased revenue from OAAN, which can be done if the current high rates are reviewed downward so that most advertisers can be encouraged to return and patronize the medium again.

Responding on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor Mrs. Oluranti Adebule commended the group for appointing Ambode as their patron and also assured them of the state government’s continued support.

On some of the specific requests by the body, the deputy governor assured that the requests will be conveyed to Governor Ambode whom she said operates an open door policy and a forthright leader desirous of moving Lagos State to a greater and higher heights.

Present at the meeting with the deputy governor was the new LASAA managing Director, Mr. Mobolaji Sanusi, Director Ministry of Environment, Dr. Mrs. Toyin Phillips and Permanent Secretary State House, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye.

On the OAAN President’s entourage were OAAN chairman Board of Trustees, High Chief Jas Kola Oyekan, Mr. Kole Ademulegun, Vice President, OAAN, Mr. Emmanuel Ajufo, General Secretary, Mr. Femi Ogala and another member of the board of Trustee Hon. Ipoola Ahmed Omisore.