ARCON Sounds the Alarm: Beware of Fake Facebook Ads Featuring Pastor Adeboye and Seun Okinbaloye
In a concerning turn of events, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has issued a grave warning about deceptive advertisements spreading on Facebook that exploit the images and voices of notable figures, including Pastor Enoch Adeboye and broadcaster Seun Okinbaloye.
The Urgent Call to Action
On Friday, ARCON’s Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, emphasized the necessity for caution as the council takes a strong stance against unethical advertising practices. The public is urged to remain vigilant against misleading ads that misuse names and likenesses of respected personalities such as Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), and Okinbaloye, a prominent broadcaster with Channels Television.
The Deception Unveiled
The malicious advertisements in question falsely associate Adeboye’s image and voice with promotions for “cures” related to prostatitis (prostate cancer), purportedly offered by one Dr. Zayo Mokoena. Similarly, Okinbaloye’s likeness is being manipulated in ads promoting products for erectile dysfunction linked to a dubious character, Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme.
Moreover, ARCON has pointed out fraudulent advertisements related to Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), enticing the public with auctions for impounded vehicles and bags of rice.
The Role of AI in Deceptive Ads
In a detailed investigation, ARCON concluded that these advertisements are created using computer-generated imagery (CGI) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically designed to mislead consumers. The council stresses that these scams have one primary motive: to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
ARCON’s Commitment to Ethical Advertising
ARCON is not taking these violations lightly. The council has established a special monitoring and enforcement task force dedicated to tracking and swiftly flagging misleading advertisements across all platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which are both owned by Meta Inc.
In a statement, ARCON declared, “We will take all necessary legal actions against platform owners, advertisers, and advert agencies involved in unethical advertising.” The council is committed to fostering a trustworthy advertising environment in Nigeria, promoting ads that are truthful, legal, and decent.
Join the Fight Against Misleading Advertisements
ARCON is calling upon the public to get involved in this critical initiative. If you encounter any advertisements that appear deceptive, unethical, or make unrealistic claims, please report them. Your vigilance can help create a safer online advertising space.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Consumer Safety
As Nigeria strides toward a more ethical advertising landscape, ARCON invites all stakeholders and the advertising community to reaffirm their commitment to responsible advertising practices. The time for misleading ads is over, and a new era focused on truthfulness and consumer protection is on the horizon.
For further information on ARCON’s efforts and to report suspicious advertising, visit their official website. Let’s work together to ensure that consumers are protected and informed in their interactions with advertisements.
