The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has commended the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, describing his leadership as a major driver of the current direction of the advertising and marketing communications industry.
Speaking in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 5th National Advertising Conference 2025, the minister said the progress recorded in the sector in the last two years reflects the commitment of the ARCON Director General. Idris, who served as Chief Host at the event, said the stewardship of Dr. Fadolapo has strengthened the annual conference, which he called a central platform for professionals in marketing, advertising and communication.
“Let me first commend the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo and other industry stakeholders for instituting this important conference as an annual event and sustaining it as a premier gathering of leaders in marketing, advertising and communication in our country,” he said.
He added that the work ethic of the ARCON Director General stands out within the industry. “The Director General of ARCON, Doctor Olalekan Fadolapo, I barely see someone with the kind of commitments and passion that this gentleman has for this industry. His performance, I can say, is above his age, to be honest. Thank you for all you do, and we will continue to support you,” he said, drawing applause from participants.
The conference, with the theme “Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times”, brought together professionals from marketing, advertising, media, outdoor and experiential marketing, broadcast, academia, government institutions, civil society and students.
Idris said the theme aligns with the realities facing businesses as they respond to economic pressures, technology shifts and changing consumer behaviour. He noted that communication remains a tool for persuasion and national orientation, adding that its role is now central to how organisations and governments operate.
The minister urged practitioners to see their work as vital to shaping the country’s global reputation. He described marketing communication professionals as custodians of national perception. “When false narratives about Nigeria spread, especially internationally, your creativity, strategy and storytelling can counterbalance them. You offer truth, context and compelling narratives of hope and progress,” he said.
He called for what he referred to as a “communication renaissance”, which he said must rely on facts, unity and truth. “We must project Nigeria as it truly is, a diverse, dynamic and resilient nation of hardworking people who coexist peacefully, aspire collectively and strive daily to build a better society,” he stated.
Idris said integrated campaigns, digital storytelling, strategic partnerships and value-based branding offer tools that can help reshape global views about Nigeria. He noted that these tools can shift dominant narratives from conflict and crisis to opportunity, innovation and creativity.
The minister also said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation will continue to work with ARCON and industry stakeholders. He stated that the ministry is updating its public information structures to fit the digital age, where “truth must travel faster than falsehood”.
He highlighted the National Values Charter Framework, which focuses on truth, integrity, patriotism and national pride, and said these values should guide communication practice across the country.
Idris urged practitioners to use communication to support business, governance and nation building. “Let us therefore use it wisely, creatively and responsibly,” he said.
