By Innocent Anaba

Chairman of St Michael’s Care Services Limited and Presiding Apostle of Macedonia Call Global Assembly, Dr. Osaren Emokpae, has announced the death of renowned advertising practitioner and business icon, Chief Olu Falomo.
Emokpae disclosed that Falomo, who was the patron of the organisation, passed on at the age of 87.
In a statement, yesterday, Emokpae described the late Falomo as an exceptional leader whose life was marked by service, integrity and excellence.
“We are profoundly grateful for a life that gave generously, inspired excellence and touched countless lives,” he said.
According to him, Falomo was far more than a patron to the organisation. “To us, Chief Falomo was not merely a patron but a father, a constant source of wisdom, guidance and encouragement. He served with grace and distinction, leaving an indelible imprint on our organisation that will continue to inspire generations,” Emokpae stated.
He further described the deceased as “a consummate professional, a trailblazer with unwavering dedication, whose life reflected excellence, integrity and selfless service, certainly one of the finest gentlemen of all time.”
Born in Ilesa, Osun State, Chief Falomo was one of the most illustrious sons of Ijesaland. The late Loofosan of Ifosan, Ilesa, was an advertising icon, businessman and respected social figure whose career helped shape Nigeria’s media and advertising industry.
A pioneer of television and commercial radio broadcasting in Nigeria as far back as 1959, Falomo transitioned fully into advertising in 1963. He later rose to the position of Executive Director at Ogilvy, Benson and Mather before founding Forum Advertising Limited in 1986, where he served as Chief Executive Officer until his recent retirement.
Falomo also rendered notable service to both his profession and the nation. He held leadership positions in key industry 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. He served as Chairman of APCON from 1999 to 2003 following his appointment by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In addition, he was a former Chairman of Lagos Island Club, Chairman of Reckitt Benckiser, and Principal Consultant at Olu Falomo & Associates.
Emokpae said the late advertising guru would be remembered for his humility, vivacity, grace, mentorship and enduring legacy of excellence.
“His life touched institutions, industries and countless individuals,” he added.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with Falomo, Emokpae said: “I was honoured to have had the opportunity to work along with Chief Falomo in shaping the marketing communications industry, particularly in the integration of the Media Independent Practitioners Association, where I served as pioneer president, into APCON and endorsing that practice as an invaluable part of the Nigerian advertising space.”
He noted that Falomo’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations within and beyond the advertising industry.