By Adegbaju Temitope
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).
Ogra was elected on Tuesday at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the development as a major milestone for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications and marketing.
Tinubu noted that Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the increasing contribution of young professionals from the country to global industry standards.
Ogra secured the position on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, highlighting the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping global representation.
The WFA is regarded as the leading global body for advertisers, representing more than 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across over 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars.
Its Executive Committee serves as the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.
President Tinubu said Ogra’s election represents both a personal achievement and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, positioning them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation, and the future of marketing communications.
“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President stated.
He further noted that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.
The President also commended Ogra, who serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his contributions to Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, citing his experience across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.
Other newly elected members of the WFA Executive Committee include Josh Faulks, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Advertiser Association, and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the United Kingdom’s advertiser association.
Meanwhile, existing leadership figures, including WFA President David Wheldon and Deputy President Philip Myers, will continue in their respective roles alongside regional vice presidents.
