Olalekan Fadolapo, Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), described the Media Independence Practitioner Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) as a strategically important member of the advertising and marketing communications family. He emphasized the association’s critical role in industry survival and talent development.

Recognition of MIPAN’s Contributions

Speaking at MIPAN’s Annual General Meeting held at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, with the theme “Navigating the Future of AI, Data and the Quest for Value in a Challenging Media Landscape,” Dr. Fadolapo delivered a goodwill message that highlighted the evolving partnership between the regulatory body and industry practitioners.

He congratulated MIPAN’s leadership for organizing another successful gathering, noting the association’s unique position within the industry ecosystem.

“MIPAN is not just an important member of this industry family, it’s a very important member.

They have expertise that is strategic to the survival of advertising and marketing communication.”

The ARCON chief particularly commended MIPAN’s talent development initiatives.

He stated: “I also want to put on record that MIPAN, through the contribution of the Alphabet Media Academy (AMA), has been producing young talent that are now a recruiting pool for the industry.”

Commitment to Industry Collaboration

Dr. Fadolapo assured members of ARCON’s commitment to working closely with MIPAN and other stakeholders. “ARCON will continue to collaborate with MIPAN in ensuring that we have a better industry,” he pledged.

He acknowledged the complexities of industry reform while emphasizing ARCON’s consultative approach.

“Please permit me to speak frankly reform may not be very easy.

It is always difficult, but at a point we all need to sit down and initiate reform.

For every decision we make, we always get the input of the industry, and that is where balance is really important.”

Open Door Policy on Industry Issues

Transitioning to broader industry matters, Fadolapo extended an open invitation for dialogue, encouraging stakeholders to engage proactively with the regulatory body.

“I want to appeal to all of us: if there is anything we feel uncomfortable about as part of industry bridging and reform, feel free to reach out to us and we will provide you an explanation,” he said.

“Today, we are having issues around various industry matters.

We are having issues around movement within our sector.

We are having issues around procedures. Platforms like this are supposed to provide space for us to discuss these matters.”

Self-Regulation and Industry Growth

Finally, the ARCON DG stressed the importance of strong self-regulatory mechanisms within industry associations. He noted that effective self-regulation could reduce the burden on formal regulatory processes.

“As MIPAN becomes stronger as a self-regulatory organization  meaning that MIPAN builds and applies ethics as set out by MIPAN in terms of accountability and commitment   we will have less regulatory burden and we will have a better industry.”

Fadolapo acknowledged the efforts of various sectoral groups while reaffirming ARCON’s supportive role.

“MIPAN has done very well. All other sectoral groups have also done their best, but we as ARCON will continue to collaborate with you. We’ll continue to give the best support.”