The Chairman of Colour Image, and Chairman OAAN Board of Trustees, High Chief Jas Oyekan has passed on after celebrating his 70th birthday last Saturday. The high chief of Ilaro celebrated his birthday with lots of funfair and danced to melodious tunes in his hometown in Ogun State but barely 72 hours later on Tuesday, April 26th 2016, the distinguished adman answered the call of the creator.
Oyekan, a seasoned advertising professional had his first stint with the glamorous ad world working at Nigerian Advertising Service (NAS) in the early 70s where he rose to become a senior manager. In 1977, the late Oyekan with some friends who also worked in advertising formed the Advertising Social Klub of Nigeria (ASKON) where he became pioneer president.
Years later, he established his own company called Colour Image Publicity (CIP) which he handed over to his heir, Tunde.
Endowed with a burning desire to make an impact in his chosen field of endeavor, Oyekan got involved with the Outdoor Contractors Association (OACAN) till it was renamed Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN). Naturally, he became president of the rechristened OAAN between 1998 till 2002 and then chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees (BOT).
He belonged to the International Advertising Association (IAA) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers Of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), Ogun State chapter where he played strong roles.
Despite his strong pedigree in advertising, Oyekan was still a man of culture and tradition. He is described as one who loved to be in the midst of older citizens where he tapped into their wealth of wisdom and experience. He was also very committed to the progress of his people; hence his installation as the Adele Olu of Ilaro, a high office that positioned him as second in command to the Yewaland paramount ruler.
A very sociable individual, Oyekan belonged to many clubs and societies like the Yoruba Tennis Club, Island Club, Yoruba Council of Elders as well as community clubs in Ilaro town, Yewaland and Ogun State.
Described as a charismatic leader, Oyekan was also very diplomatic and an expert on the use of native intelligence in handling knotty issues.
Academically, Oyekan had no tertiary education but through hard work and professionalism in the advertising field became a Fellow of the Profession of Adverting (frpa) which is the highest level any advertising professional can reach in Nigeria. He was also on the governing body of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON). He was also an honorary doctorate degree holder of St. John’s University, Taiwan.
