Chief Olu Falomo, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s advertising industry and prominent businessman, has passed away at the age of 87.
The Ilesa, Osun State native was a distinguished son of Ijesaland who left an indelible mark on the nation’s media and advertising landscape. He held the traditional title of Loofosan of Ifosan, Ilesa, and served as former Chairman of the prestigious Lagos Island Club, as well as Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser and Principal Consultant of Olu Falomo & Associates.
Educated in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, Chief Falomo was among the pioneers who shaped television and commercial radio broadcasting in Nigeria, beginning his media career in 1959.
His transition to advertising in 1963 marked the start of a stellar career that saw him rise to Executive Director at Ogilvy, Benson and Mather. In 1986, he founded Forum Advertising Limited, serving as CEO until his recent retirement.
Chief Falomo’s leadership extended across the advertising sector, where he held presidential and council positions in numerous professional bodies including the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), the Nigerian chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA), and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). His appointment as APCON Chairman by Nigeria’s President in December 1999 saw him serve with distinction for four years. He also represented Nigeria on the World Board of Directors of the IAA from 1990 to 1994.
Beyond advertising, the late icon dedicated himself to philanthropic causes, serving as a trustee on the boards of the Osun State UNDP-Assisted Sustainable Human Development Fund, Bode Akindele Foundation, D.O. Fagunwa Foundation, and St. Paul’s Senior Citizens Foundation for Elderly Persons.
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