Nigerians Should Play Key Roles In Nation’s Affairs – Information Minister

…Urges Advertising regulator to promote local content

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris has stressed the need for Nigerians to play a key part in the affairs of the country, stressing that advertising inclusive.

He therefore tasked the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), to promote local content in all advertising materials used in the country.

Idris particularly noted that many opportunities in the Advertising industry are lost to other countries in spite of the huge and rich talents that abound in the country resulting in unnecessary capital flight.

The Minister, who stated these on Friday, October 13, 2023, when he visited the ARCON as part of his familiarization tour of Agencies under his Ministry, said that the nation cannot continue to afford a situation where all the jobs that are meant for Nigerians are taken out of this country.

In the words of Idris; “There is nothing that is in advertising that cannot happen in this country. We have every potential. “Advertising is not just business, it is also a way of engaging the nation, promoting culture and values, reflecting the diversity in the country, and also providing direct and indirect jobs”.

Idris commended the effort of ARCON in regulating advertising practices in Nigeria by ensuring that practitioners adhere to the highest standards.

He further said; “I am aware of the audience measurement insight being handled by your office; I am hopeful that you have achieved some milestones regarding this important issue, to ensure maximum return on media investments”.

Idris assured of his commitment towards working closely with ARCON in promoting innovation, adding that it is the goal of the Ministry to ensure that the Advertising industry in Nigeria not only meets international standards but also serves as a catalyst for national development.

The minister also commended ARCON for working in synergy with other sister Agencies in promoting the core values of the nation and the reorientation of Nigerians and urged them to maintain a good relationship with other stakeholders, saying that any attempt to deviate from the Agency’s mandate would not be beneficial to the Nation.

Idris said; “We need to come together on the issue of National Orientation and National Rebirth. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to preserving Nigeria’s core values and positioning the nation once again in the global community”.

He said that the Ministry of Information and National Orientation is the custodian and chief implementer of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Earlier, while welcoming the minister, the Director General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, appealed for intervention on the issue of the planned removal of the Agency from the Federal Government Budget, stressing that the step would reverse some of the gains made by the Agency.

Fadolapo also appealed to the Minister to facilitate the timely inauguration of its Governing Council for ease of operation.