ARCON honours advertising pioneers, ministers, brands, agencies at 2026 Special Recognition Awards
L-R: Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, DG, ARCON; Dr Biodun Shobanjo chairman Troyka Group and Sir Steve Omojafor during the ARCON Special Recognition Awards at Bamoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday 23rd, October, 2026.
By Tunji Faleye
Regulatory compliance, professional excellence and industry contributions take centre stage as ARCON recognises individuals and organisations shaping Nigeria’s advertising landscape.
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has recognised government officials, advertising veterans, corporate brands and marketing communications agencies for their contributions to the development of advertising industry and commitment to professional standards.
The recognition took place at the 2026 maiden edition of the ARCON Special Recognition Awards (ASRA), held at Bamoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday. The event celebrated both living and deceased professionals whose work has helped shape advertising practice in Nigeria, alongside brands and agencies acknowledged for compliance with the country’s advertising regulations.
Among the public officials honoured were the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
The industry figures recognised included Professor Osaren Emokpae, Oluwafunmilayo Onabolu, the late Chief Simeon Olaghere, Dotun Okunbanjo, Ifeayichukwu Moemeke, Sir Chief Olu Falomo, the late Tolulope Ogunkoya, the late Olaniyi Babatunde and Dr Biodun Shobanjo.
Other recipients included Chief Ayodele Owoborode, Senator Akin Odunsi, Sir Steve Omojafor, George Thorpe, Emmanuel Ekunno and Babu Akinbobola.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr Binyerem Ukaire, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, urged the award recipients to sustain their contributions to national development.
The minister described the awards as a positive initiative for celebrating excellence and adherence to the standards governing advertising practice in Nigeria.
The Director-General of ARCON, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, said the theme of the 2026 awards, “An Evening of Many Honours,” reflected the council’s appreciation of individuals whose dedication, innovation and professional contributions have made a difference in the industry.
According to Fadolapo, the event was designed to zindividuals and organizations whose achievements demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence, ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
He said the awards also provided an opportunity to celebrate those whose accomplishments continue to inspire others and raise the standards of advertising practice in the country.
The Chairman of the Advertising Standards Panel (ASP), Dr Emmanuel Agu, highlighted the wider benefits of regulatory compliance, particularly its role in protecting consumers, strengthening brand reputation and promoting fair competition.
He explained that compliance helps preserve the credibility of the advertising industry by ensuring that commercial messages remain truthful, decent, responsible and consistent with societal values.
“This recognition is therefore not just about rewarding those who have complied with established standards. It is about celebrating organizations that have chosen to lead by example, demonstrate that creativity and innovation thrive best within a framework of responsibility and ethical conduct,” Agu said.
His remarks reinforced the importance of balancing creative ambition with accountability in a marketplace where advertising influences consumer choices and brand perceptions.
Yinka Adebayo, Chairman of ASRA and GMD of Omnicom Media Group, West and Central Africa, also stressed the importance of recognising outstanding performance.
He said the awards served as a reminder that excellence, commitment and hard work deserved to be celebrated across the industry.
The 2026 awards covered a broad range of commercial sectors, including food and beverages, banking, fintech, telecommunications, e-commerce, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, education and property development.
In the food category, Peak Milk, from Nestlé, was recognised alongside its agency, Noah’s Ark. Chicken Republic and Wild Fusion Digital Marketing featured in the Hotels, Restaurants and Cafés category.
Other winners and recognised organisations included Coca-Cola Nigeria, with Algorithm in the non-alcoholic category; Moniepoint, with mediaReach OMD in fintech; Fidelity Bank, with Reckego
The other listed recipients were:
Alcohol: Pernod Ricard.
Aviation: GSLC Media.
Betting: BetKing, with X3M Ideas.
Computers and electronics: HP Computing Nigeria, with Brandlife.
Telecommunications: Airtel Africa, with The Hook Creative Agency.
E-commerce: Jumia, with PHD Media Nigeria.
Education: National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), with Media Seal.
Real estate and property: Lekki Gardens, with Rench Agency.
Medical and pharmaceuticals: TGI Distribution, with Starcom Media.
Body care: Lush Hair.
Made in Nigeria: Showmax.
Public Information Campaign of the Year: National Orientation Agency.
Brand Reinvention and Innovation: mediaReach OMD.
Excellence in Customer Response Management: Moniepoint Nigeria.
Excellence in Sponsorship Marketing: Tolaram Group.
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