LASAA mobilizes electronic billboard operators on Ebola sensitization

Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) in partnership with Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), some leading electronic billboard operators in Lagos State and Nigeria's biggest advertising agency, Insight Communications Limited, is set to commence a public awareness campaign as part of efforts to curb the spread of Ebola. 

This initiative supported by Lagos State Ministries for Health and Information, would involve electronic billboard operators enabling their platforms across Lagos for use free of charge in conveying messages about Ebola disease in strategic locations across Lagos State. 

It is estimated that the operators will be waiving over N240 million of billboard space.

LASAA's Managing Director, Mr. George Noah, noted that the campaign would focus on key areas related to the spread and management of the disease such as: modes of transmission, preventive measures, symptoms and helplines. "This initiative is designed to complement efforts being made by Lagos State Government in curbing the spread of Ebola. It's also borne out of the need to enlighten the public about the disease and the need to adopt preventive measures. We hope to achieve this with the use electronic billboard ads which we would be rolling out in collaboration with our esteemed partners who see this as a corporate social responsibility initiative. In all, we would make use of a total of 32 electronic billboards across strategic locations in the state," Noah pointed out.

The list of electronic billboard operators partnering with LASAA on this campaign comprises:  Ahaa Media, Capital Media, Clearedge Media, Corporate Media, Emotion, GEMS, Integrated Howdy Consult Limited and Invent Media.  Others are: Marketing and Media, Media 2, Media Link Limited, New Crystal, Optimum Exposures Limited, Plural Media, Provision Media, Strategic Media Solutions, Space Contractors, Media Worth, Monumental Concept Display, Promoworld and Weatherheads.  Nigeria's biggest advertising agency, Insight Communications Limited has also agreed to provide creatives for the campaign at no cost.  

Electronic boards that would run the campaign are based at the following locations:   Festac,   Obalende, Oworoshoki, Maryland, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos Ibadan Expressway. Magodo and Agidinbgbi-Ikeja.  Others are: Adekunle Interchange along 3rd mainland Bridge, Osborne Road Ikoyi; Eko Bridge,  TeslimBalogun Stadium,  Berger Bus Stop, Liverpool Road Apapa, The Palms Lekki, Ikeja City Mall,  Allen Roundabout Ikeja, Lagos Island and Ikeja Cantonment. 

Charles Chijide, President, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) was upbeat about the initiative. His words: "Outdoor as a major part of the marketing communications mix will play its part in sensitizing the public on the Ebola scourge. This battle is a collective responsibility and would be won through novel ideas such as this. Consequently, we lend our full support to LASAA and our members partnering with them on this noble cause."

Jimi Awosika, Managing Director of Insight Communications said his firm is proud to identify with LASAA and its partners. "The advertising industry is mindful off its role in society at times like this and is willing to undertake its corporate social responsibility. For us at Insight, this is a call to serve and all hands must be on deck in combating the spread of Ebola."

The latest Ebola outbreak is the largest in history since it was detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire) and Sudan in 1976. Since early 2014, it has claimed the lives of over 1300 people in the West African nations of:  Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. It has also affected Nigeria resulting in five deaths (at the time of filing this report).