Shobanjo: Celebrating Africa’s Advertising Guru

His name is synonymous with marketing communications. Everything about him oozes the trade. Welcome to the amazing world of Nigeria’s marketing communication Czar, Biodun Shobanjo.

Shobanjo’s journey to fame began at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, now Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where he was a producer. While there, he was already aiming for the stars and the world was almost in his palms.

But he shocked his admirers when he suddenly quit the job and announced that he was going into advertising, which was  a relatively unknown turf in Nigeria in 1972. Many questioned his sense of judgment. Though it was tough at the outset, he never wavered.

Shobanjo took off as an account executive trainee with the American-owned advertising company,  Grant Advertising. It was obvious to all that young Shobanjo was a rare talent. His brilliance glowed. Five years later, he rose to become the Deputy  Managing Director of the company at the age of 30.

Like a restless soul driven by the quest to be a pathfinder,  he left the position for greater challenges and co-founded Insight Communications alongside Awosika and Chukwuma Ibe.

Shobanjo will forever be remembered for changing the face of marketing communication in Nigeria with his uncommon creativity and clear vision.

As evidence of his influence and authority in the industry and all over the country, many showered him with accolades and tributes when he celebrated his 80th birthday last Tuesday. Bouquet of flowers came from top echelons of society, including President Bola Tinubu, who acknowledged his colossal and significant contributions to advancing the marketing communications industry—a sector pivotal for fostering economic growth, social development, and infrastructural progress in Nigeria.

President Tinubu noted that these accomplishments exemplify the virtues of discipline, integrity, and dedication, which inspire younger professionals.