Raheem Akingbolu
The leadership of the Out-Of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), has described the contribution of the Chairman of the Troyka Group, Biodun Shobanjo to the Nigeria’s Marketing Communications industry as immeasurable and significant to the industry’s growth and development.
OAAN President, Sola Akinsiku, in his welcome address during a special award and reception, held to mark Shobanjo’s 80th birthday in Lagos, described Dr. Shobanjo as the “Doyen of Advertising and the pillar of modern advertising in Nigeria”. He noted that the OAAN Legend’s Award conferred on Dr. Shobanjo was the highest honour bestowed by the association on individuals who had made significant contributions to the development of Out-of-Home media practices in Nigeria.
Akinsiku praised Dr. Shobanjo’s innumerable contributions to the promotion of excellence and professionalism in the industry, saying, “We are gathered to witness this great event today as we honor Dr. Abiodun Olusina Shobanjo with this prestigious Award as our way of appreciating him for his selfless service to the industry.”
He said, “The OAAN Legend’s Award is the highest honour that our association bestows on individuals who in the conviction of the executive council, acting on behalf of our board of trustees and the entire membership has made significant and verifiable contributions to the development of the Out-of-Home media practices in Nigeria. The first one was bestowed on Chief Akinrolabu (Babu) Akinbobola in 2020. We are now gathered to witness this great event today as we honour Dr. Abiodun Olusina Shobanjo, fra, OFR with this prestigious Award as our way of appreciating him for his innumerable contributions to the promotion of excellence and professionalism in our practice.”
Chairman of the occasion, Prince Adelusi-Adeluyi, described Dr. Shobanjo as a supportive, understanding, and successful man who has always been a shining example of excellence. He advised Dr. Shobanjo, as he approaches his 80th birthday, to focus on three things: something to keep him busy, something to fight for, and something to keep him young at heart.
The keynote speaker at the event, Dr. Abiola Salami, who spoke on “Decade of Excellence and Professionalism,” emphasised the need for Nigerians to celebrate their heroes and learn from their experiences. He praised Dr. Shobanjo’s achievements, saying, “He has achieved unparalleled success and respect by all, and he got that from his father Pa. Joseph Shobanjo and his Mother Morinatu Shobanjo.”
