The Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG) has risen in strong criticism of the Federal government and the Nigerian military over the recent attacks, the use of force and killing of young Nigerians Protesting against Police brutality at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos.
The group which is a joint body of professionals across advertising, media independent, out of home, and experiential marketing industry stated that it had observed with shock, reported cases of military force against protesters in Lagos and other parts of the country even as young Nigerians trooped out peacefully to protest police brutality across the country.
In a statement signed by leadership of the various groups and made available to BRANDIQ, the professionals condemned in every way possible, what they termed as “police brutality, citizen harassment, and the use of force by the army on innocent, unarmed citizens who are exercising their constitutionally-guaranteed rights to peaceful gathering and protest” and called on the government to rescue Nigerians from this nightmare and put a stop to the mayhem.
The statement added that, Not only is the attack a breach of the fundamental rights of Nigerians, the incident has brought yet another layer of stain, on the country’s reputation, threatening to destroy years of hard work by government, corporate organizations, sports men, and the creative/media/marketing industry in showing the world the great, beautiful Nation that is Nigeria.
“We condemn, in every way possible, police brutality, citizen harassment, and the use of force by the army on innocent, unarmed citizens who are exercising their constitutionally-guaranteed rights to peaceful gathering and protest.“Our prayers, and sympathy goes out to every Nigerian affected directly, or indirectly, and we commiserate with families who have lost loved ones to this avoidable violence.
“Not only is this a breach of the fundamental rights of Nigerians, this incident has brought yet another layer of stain, on our country’s reputation, threatening to destroy years of hard work by government, corporate organisations, sports men, and the creative/media/marketing industry in showing the world the great, beautiful Nation that is Nigeria” the group emphasized.
The groups further declared their intentions to voluntarily offer their professional services and work with all parties in developing the right people-centred strategy for the short and long term interest of our dear nation, as It is not too late to arrest this situation and turn it positively to get the country back on track.
HASG comprises of the various sectoral associations making up the marketing communications industry, namely : Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Advertiser’s Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) and Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN).
