Sola Akinsiku: Restoring Pride in Advertising Industry

Dr. Sola Akinsiku, a prominent figure in Nigeria's advertising industry, approaches leadership with a profound commitment to service and integrity. As the President of the Out of Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and Managing Director of KOK Visibility Edge, Akinsiku has dedicated decades to shaping the nation's advertising landscape. His philosophy is rooted in the Golden Rule: "If it is not good enough, then it is not good at all. If I will not accept it, then I will not try it on anyone. I believe it is better to be offended than to be the one on the offensive. I would rather be cheated than be the one cheating."

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My personal principle is that the Golden Rule must apply at all times. If it is not good enough, then it is not good at all. If I will not accept it, then I will not try it on anyone. I believe it is better to be offended than to be the one on the offensive. I would rather be cheated than be the one cheating.

This guiding principle shapes his professional journey and his approach to public service. Akinsiku views his roles not as accolades but as opportunities to perform at his best. "Wherever I find myself, I see it as an opportunity to do my best, not to serve as an acknowledgement that you are a superstar," he stated. His involvement with Rotary International, embodying "Service Above Self," further reinforces his perspective on leadership within OAAN. "Once you are called to serve, it is service to the organisation, service to humanity and service to professionalism," he explained.

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Wherever I find myself, I see it as an opportunity to do my best, not to serve as an acknowledgement that you are a superstar. I am just privileged to be one among so many people that can do better.

Akinsiku's path to industry leadership was multifaceted. He holds a degree in English Language with Education from Obafemi Awolowo University and postgraduate qualifications in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. His career began in 1992 at Rock Forte Advertising Limited, progressing through client service roles. He later joined the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (now ARCON), where he gained intimate knowledge of industry ethics and standards, even teaching and authoring materials for APCON's programs. His experience deepened in the out-of-home advertising sector before co-founding KOK Visibility Edge Limited in 1998.

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Once you are called to serve, it is service to the organisation, service to humanity and service to professionalism.