The Ondo State Signate and Advertising Agency (OSSA) has advised prospective outdoor advertisers to properly verify availability and status of advertising spaces before making payment for them.
The Agency gave the advice in a statement by Yòmí Oyékàn, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Signage and Advertisement.
The Agency noted that its attention had been drawn to the increasing number of complaints and reports from individuals, political stakeholders, and businesses concerning disputes over outdoor advertising spaces and structures across the state.
OSSA said the situation arose out of the rising demand that had led to scarcity of available advertising spaces and, regrettably, cases of double allocation and misrepresentation by some advertising agents and companies.
The agency said this advisory was essential as political season is fast approaching when demand for billboards, LED screens, lamp post advertisements, and other outdoor advertising structures will significantly increase.
“As the political season approaches, demand for billboards, LED screens, lamp post advertisements, and other outdoor advertising structures has significantly increased.
“This rising demand has also led to scarcity of available advertising spaces and, regrettably, cases of double allocation and misrepresentation by some advertising agents and companies.
“In view of this development, my office strongly advises all individuals, organizations, and political actors intending to engage outdoor advertisers to properly verify the availability and status of any advertising space they intend to use, both before and after making payment to any advertising company or agent.
“Members of the public are encouraged to ensure that:
“The advertising structure is genuinely available for use;
“The space has not been previously allocated to another client; and
“The advertising company or agent has the legitimate authority to deploy or lease the structure.
“The public is further reminded that the Ondo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OSSAA) is statutorily empowered to regulate outdoor advertising activities across the state.
“However, the Agency can only regulate within its mandate, especially as it has already received several complaints and petitions from individuals and businesses affected by these issues.
“This advisory is issued in the interest of protecting advertisers, preventing avoidable losses, and promoting orderliness within the outdoor advertising sector across Ondo State.
“All stakeholders are urged to act responsibly and exercise due diligence,” OSSA stated.
