Marketing communication industry honours

In an evening of reminiscence and camaraderie, the glitterati of the marketing communication industry in Nigeria and other notable Nigerians outside the industry paid tribute to Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Holdings, an indigenous conglomerate, who turned 80 on December 24, 2024.

The surprised birthday party described as a “coup” was organised by “Shobi Collective”, a group made of former employees of Insight Communication, mentees and friends of Shobanjo. It was one of the series of events in honour of Shobanjo, widely regarded as the father of modern day advertising in Nigeria.

Chairman, Channels Television, John Momoh, said Shobanjo was one of the persons he always go to for advice and advert support during the formative years of his television station. “He is someone I will pick his call any time of the day because I know he had picked one or two things while watching Channels television and wants to make some suggestions for improvement, whether it is in programming, presentation or content,” Momoh said.

For Chief Segun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor, Shobanjo is a reliable brother and friend who knows the value of relationships and cultivates it across socio-economic strata. “He has never failed to attend any of my family events in Nigeria or London for decades now,” Osoba said.

Chairman, Cosse TTL, Mr. Funmi Onabolu, a Shobanjo protégé and former General Manager at Insight Communication, described his former boss as a friend, father, great motivator and builder of men who has shaped the careers of many young men and women doing excellently well in different fields across the globe.

Same sentiment was echoed by Mr. Udeme Ufot, Chairman, SO&U Advertising, who started his advertising career at Insight Communication. He attributed his career heights to the training and mentorship he received from Shobanjo during his years at Insight Communication.

Mr. Steve Omojafor, former Chairman of Zenith Bank and an advertising veteran, who proposed the toast, described Shobanjo as builder of champions who brought so much respectability to the marketing communication industry.

Shobanjo, while responding to the tributes, described himself as the luckiest man on earth being alive to hear all the good things people are saying about him.