The Cross River State Council of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), on Friday, inaugurated a new executive council, with Prof. Stanislaus Iyorza assuming office as chairman, in a ceremony marked by renewed commitment to professionalism and industry growth.
The inauguration, conducted by Barr. Ukam Ngwu, drew advertising professionals, stakeholders, and invited guests who gathered to witness the formal transition of leadership in the state chapter.
In his acceptance speech, Prof. Iyorza thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to strengthen professionalism while upholding ethical standards in advertising practice across Cross River State.
He stressed the urgent need to sanitise the advertising space, particularly in the face of the growing influence of digital and social media platforms. The new chairman urged practitioners to comply with registration requirements as stipulated by ARCON, noting that regulation remains key to maintaining credibility in the industry.
Outlining his vision, Iyorza said the council would work to bridge the gap between industry practitioners and academia through strategic collaboration with higher institutions. According to him, such partnerships would enhance knowledge sharing and raise standards across the sector.
He added that the council would organise regular training workshops, seminars, and stakeholder engagements aimed at building the capacity of practitioners and positioning them for emerging opportunities in the advertising landscape.
The chairman also emphasised the need to promote local content, observing that a significant portion of advertising materials used in the state are produced outside Cross River. He noted that investing in local talent would not only create employment opportunities but also boost the state’s creative economy.
Prof. Iyorza further assured that the council would collaborate closely with government and other relevant stakeholders to promote responsible and effective advertising practices. He said efforts would also be intensified to identify and properly engage practitioners across outdoor, electronic, and digital platforms.
In his remarks, the outgoing chairman, Mr. Ita Okon, highlighted key achievements recorded since the council’s establishment in 2022, including formal registration, the development of operational structures, and improved coordination among practitioners.
Okon commended the Director General of ARCON, Olalekan Fadolapo, and the Director General of Cross River State Signage and Advertisement Agency (CRISSAA), Sam Ubon, for their support, expressing confidence that the new leadership would consolidate on existing gains.
Also speaking, the council’s Secretary, Dr. Michael Igbo, underscored the importance of professionalism and certification, insisting that only trained and registered individuals should practice advertising. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining standards and safeguarding the credibility of the industry.
Kingsley Agim
