Dr. Biodun Shobanjo
Nigerians have been urged to emulate the patriotism, passion and dedication to the cause of a progressive and prosperous Nigeria exemplified by Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, chairman of Troyka Holdings, an indigenous conglomerate made up of marketing communication companies , real estate, intelligence and security, among others.
In an evening of reminiscences and camaraderie, the glitterati of the marketing communication industry in Nigeria and other notable Nigerians outside the industry, paid tribute to Dr. Shobanjo, who turned 80 on December 24, 2024.
The surprised birthday party described as a “coup” was organized by “Shobi Collective”, a group made of former employees of Insight Communication, mentees and friends of Shobanjo was held at the prestigious Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday December 21. It was one of the series of events in honour of Shobanjo, widely regarded as the father of modern day advertising in Nigeria.
Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television said Shobanjo was one of the persons he always go to for advice and advert support during the challenging formative years of the 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”, Dr. Momoh said.
For Chief Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State, 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”, Chief Osoba declared.
Mr. Funmi Onabolu, Chairman, Cosse TTL, who is a Shobanjo protégé and former General Manager at Insight Communication and one of the organizers of the birthday party, described his former boss as a friend, father, great motivator and builder of men who has shaped the careers of so many young men and women who are 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 his 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 champion builder of champions who brought so much respectability to the marketing communication industry in Nigeria. “You stand tall in your personality, you stand tall in the industry, you stand tall in your contributions to Nigeria and Africa”, Mr. Omojafor said of Shobanjo. .
Dr. Shobanjo while responding to all the tributes described himself as the luckiest man on earth being alive to hear all the good things people are saying about him, noting, “If I die tomorrow I will dance to heaven”. He described his 53 years journey in advertising as “very interesting”, expressing happiness that he has been able to pass the baton to the younger generation.
