Industry stakeholders mourn pioneer ADVAN President
By Abimbola Mohammed
One of the iconic personalities in the Nigeria Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and Founding President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Olaniyi Stephen Babatunde, has signed off on his terrestrial sojourn. Ending an outstanding career in the corporate and marketing communication world, he died at the age of seventy-three.
ADVAN, announcing the death on its Instagram page recently, wrote: “Celebrating the legacy of the Founding President of ADVAN. Mr. Niyi Babatunde, the first president of Advertising Association of Nigeria has passed on. His legacy, which ensured advertisers in Nigeria have a voice, will forever be celebrated. Rest in Peace our dear president.”
Similarly, announcing his father’s death on Facebook and Instagram, Dotun Babatunde wrote: “My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could ever give another one – he believed in me. Rest in Peace.”
Since he put up the post, the announcement has generated outpourings of condolences from industry stakeholders within and outside.
John Ajayi, publisher of MARKETING EDGE magazine, expressing his condolences on the post, wrote: “Rest on peacefully in the Lord’s bosom our legendary marketer and a great corporate guru. We shall surely and sorely miss your deep market insights. Be comforted Dotun, Baba has journeyed well on this side of the divide and deserves his due rest hereafter. Sun re o Baba Olorire.”
Olubunmi B. Oke, CEO of Ladybird Ltd, who was apparently shocked by the announcement, wrote: “Wow! We really thank God for the opportunity to know your dad who mentored some of us with great marketing communications skills like ‘UPGA’ as a client (Unilever Marketing Director) of the 90’s First ADVAN President I recall. I had the privilege of travelling on many flights for global product launches across Nigeria. He was “a client with whom I found favour too, hence, he took me “under his wings” exposing me to several local & global commercial film shoots & strategic planning workshops via LTC-JWT Advertising.
“The privilege of working with Dotun (his son) later on in my career, gave me even more opportunities to meet “Daddy & Mummy” every so often as a true family man. We comfort the family at a time like this and perfect rest for a life well lived. Amen!”
Eki Adzufeh, Executive Secretary, Media Independence Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN) also wrote: “Accept our condolences for this great loss! It shall be well.”
Similarly, Moses Mogbolu, Head of Marketing, Vitafoam, wrote: “Please accept my condolences. May the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest?”
Commenting, Olayinka O. Akande wrote: “The FMCG sector of corporate Nigeria has just lost one of its brightest and best past leaders. A self-effacing first-class scholar who won high honours at home and abroad. He was also a model of integrity, simplicity, humility, and humanity. Even though I only had the privilege of experiencing him from his UACN Plc days, for that grace, I am eternally grateful to God.”
Olukemi Adeyemo Gbenga-Dada wrote: “Daddy, you were one of a kind. You took my hands and gave me my first career advice as a young lady and got me my first “real” job – an internship with Reckitt Benckiser. You didn’t stop there; you followed consistently to see how I was faring at the job. I will never forget your kind words and deeds. Your humility was contagious. You gave and gave without bragging or letting anyone know. You were the true example of a believer. May God comfort your family and all of us that your life has touched? Rest in the bosom of your Maker whom you served so diligently. Adieu sir.”
Charles Nnochiri wrote: “My condolences Dotun. I am what I am today in brand management because of the foundational impact that daddy and his friends in ABAT marketing academy gave me. Thank you, sir, for your love in transferring knowledge to the next generation. May God console the family he left behind. All will be well in IJN Amen.”
Olusola Ojo wrote: “A Titan has left us. He brought me to Lagos and took me through the rudiments of sales and marketing. His name opens doors effortlessly. Words fail at times like this. Haba! Spring, it’s very well with you and all that dad left behind. There’s a consolation though; he’s in a better place now.”
Olawale Samuel wrote: “An icon that can never be forgotten. Thank God for a life well spent. Daddy, good night.”
Vincent Oluwagbemiga Balogun wrote: “To God be the glory! My Oga lived a spiritually fulfilled, compassionate and professionally acclaimed life. May his memories remain a blessing in Jesus name. Amen!”
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