The Kwara State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KWASAA) in collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) on Thursday held a one-day stakeholders engagement on political advertising and campaign communications on Thursday at the Ilorin Innovation Hub.
The event brought together media practitioners, political party leaders, electoral candidates, broadcasting stations, and regulatory authorities to establish clear operational guidelines and enforce compliance ahead of the 2027 general elections in Kwara State.
In his opening remarks, the Acting General Manager of KWASAA, Mr. Oloruntoba Akin Adeyeye commended Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for supporting regulatory initiatives that foster environmental order and public safety.
Adeyeye emphasized that the engagement aimed to educate political actors and media organizations on statutory permit processes to prevent the indiscriminate pasting of campaign posters and unauthorized billboard structures.
Delivering the Governor’s address, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communication, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, urged political parties, candidates, and media houses to refrain from illegal advertising practices, warning that unapproved and misleading campaign materials generate public confusion and deface public infrastructure. She called on media institutions to adhere strictly to ethical standards and collaborate with regulatory bodies in reporting violations.
In a keynote presentation detailing legal frameworks and sanctions, Mr. Charles Odenigbo highlighted statutory penalties for non-compliance, stating that fines for illegal political advertising range from a minimum of 500,000 Naira up to 100 million Naira depending on the severity of the violation.
The event also featured an interactive panel session with representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), KWASAA, the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), ARCON, and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN).
Panelists educated participants on vetting procedures, legal restrictions, and responsible communication strategies.
Rounding off the event, the Director-General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, delivered the closing remarks, thanking stakeholders for their active participation and reaffirming ARCON’s commitment to maintaining a professional, fair, and legally compliant advertising ecosystem across Nigeria.
