A Night of reverence, nostalgia as MARKETING EDGE honours Dr. Abiodun Shobanjo at 80 in an unforgettable “Evening of Tributes”
By Felicia Nwosu
On a night when history and gratitude converged, the Muson Centre on Lagos Island transformed into a haven of reverence, nostalgia, and admiration. It became the epicenter of celebration as the Nigerian advertising industry and its allies gathered to honor a legendary figure, Dr. Abiodun Shobanjo, in a grand event themed “An Evening of Tributes
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Industry heavyweights, creative pioneers, and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered under the glimmering lights of the iconic Agrip Hall to pay homage to a man whose name echoes through the annals of advertising history.
It wasn’t just an event; it was a moment etched in time. MARKETING EDGE, Nigeria’s leading brand-focused media platform, fulfilled the industry’s collective longing by hosting the most-anticipated, most-talked-about celebration of the year. Aptly themed, the event was dedicated to celebrating the life, legacy, and monumental impact of Shobanjo as he marked his 80th birthday.
The entire hall radiated elegance as distinguished guests, each arriving with smiles, gratitude, and admiration for the man widely regarded as the Doyen of Advertising. It was more than a tribute; it was a royal procession of gratitude, nostalgia, and respect for a man whose contributions have shaped countless careers and advanced the advertising profession in Nigeria.
From the moment guests arrived, there was an electric mix of awe and joy in the air. Attendees, dressed in elegance, filled the hall with an infectious energy that could only stem from a shared love and respect for the man of the hour. Every handshake, every nod, every hug carried an unspoken acknowledgment of the greatness being celebrated.
The ambiance was enchanting subtle lighting bathed the venue in a warm glow, while a live orchestra serenaded the audience with timeless melodies, setting the tone for what was to come. The air was thick with emotion as men and women from the advertising, marketing, and communications industries took their seats, their faces lit with smiles and glistening eyes.
The roll call of distinguished guests was a testament to the depth of Shobanjo’s influence as it was a night that brought together the pillars of the industry, from Sir Steve Omojafor, Vice Chairman of Troyka Holdings, to Vincen Maduka, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, to representatives of Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, DG of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Rufai Ladipo,founder of Agile Communications Limited, and former MD/CEO at STB McCann, Bunmi Oke, CEO Ladybird Advertising, Lanre Adisa, Emmanuel Ajufo, former president of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria, OAAN, Founder of Noah’s Ark Communications; from Madam Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketing Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), in fact, the industry’s crème de la crème turned out en masse to honor the Doyen of Advertising. They all had something positively memorable to say about the celebrant.
John Ajayi, Publisher and CEO of MARKETING EDGE, celebrated Dr. Abiodun Shobanjo as a trailblazer in the Nigerian and African advertising industry. He highlighted the Tycoon’s unparalleled professionalism, and his contributions to building successful corporate brands across sectors. The Publisher credited Entrepreneur’s legacy as the inspiration behind MARKETING EDGE’s 21-year journey in brand journalism, emphasizing his influence on the magazine’s evolution into a leading omnichannel platform.
He also noted accomplished brand custodian’s endorsement of MARKETING EDGE’s maiden awards, which paved the way for its annual national marketing stakeholders’ summit and the prestigious EDGE Awards. Ajayi described Shobanjo as a symbol of creativity, resilience, and excellence, urging the audience to draw inspiration from his legacy to build impactful contributions for future generations.
The atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of leading brands such as Indomie, Golden Penny, Desperado, Coca-Cola, CWay Water, and more, all adding vibrant color and merriment to the grand celebration.
As the tributes began, the room transformed into a tapestry of heartfelt stories and cherished memories. One by one, industry stalwarts took to the podium, their voices brimming with emotion, recounting how Shobanjo had mentored, inspired, and reshaped their paths.
It was an evening filled with touching anecdotes, hearty laughter, and unanimous admiration. From each speaker, the common thread was a deep-seated respect for a man who shaped careers and set unparalleled standards of excellence, as the stories shared were filled with admiration and gratitude for a man who not only built brands but also built people.
Among these powerful moments, one stood out for its raw emotion and heartfelt symbolism. Madam Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN, delivered a gesture that left the audience visibly moved. In a deeply emotional display, she humbly knelt before Shobanjo and embraced him with a tenderness that spoke volumes. It was a poignant reminder of the fatherly care and guidance Shobanjo had extended to his staff over the years. This act symbolized the transformation of relationships from that of a corporate boss to a familial bond, a connection that extended beyond the workplace to include the families of those he mentored. Her gesture evoked teary eyes and knowing smiles from many who had experienced Shobanjo’s nurturing influence firsthand.
Udeme Ufot, Group GMD of SO&U, spoke of Shobanjo’s unparalleled vision and discipline, recalling moments that left the audience nodding in agreement and applauding with gusto. Steve Babaeko, Founder of X3M Ideas, shared anecdotes that sent ripples of laughter through the room, while Lanre Adisa reflected on the invaluable lessons learned under his mentorship and from some of his books which he urged the audience to watch out for on their screens soon.
Madam Bunmi Oke, CEO of Ladybird Advertising and several others also commended his resilient spirit as as a “man of steel, while commending his professionalism. Each speaker seemed to pour their soul into their tributes, creating a cascade of emotions that left the audience mesmerized.
For many, the night was a cathartic release, a long-awaited opportunity to express gratitude to a man who had profoundly shaped their careers and the industry at large. The atmosphere was infectious, tears mingled with laughter, and applause echoed endlessly, punctuated by murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
The highlight of the event was the emotional response of the celebrant himself. Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and admiration, Dr. Shobanjo expressed his gratitude to the industry and particularly to John Ajayi, Publisher of MARKETING EDGE, for orchestrating the memorable evening.
Another memorable moment came when Seaman’s Schnapps, Nigeria’s iconic No. 1 Prayer Drink, made a symbolic appearance. Known for leveraging cultural traditions, the brand presented a specially packaged bottle for the celebrant. Tradition came alive when Dr. Vincent Maduka, a respected octogenarian and former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority, was invited to offer prayers for Dr. Shobanjo. Holding the prayer drink in hand, Dr. Maduka’s prayer, though traditional in essence, brought a modern twist as he abstained from the expected libation pouring, instead offering heartfelt blessings that resonated with the room.
The emotional crescendo of the night was the symbolic cake-cutting ceremony. Designed in MARKETING EDGE’s brand colors, the cake was modeled after Shobanjo’s signature cap, a nod to his distinctive style. As the celebrant cut the cake, applause and cheers filled the hall, marking yet another unforgettable high point in an evening brimming with joy and admiration.
As the evening drew to a close, the room buzzed with a mix of joy and nostalgia. For those in attendance, it was a celebration of a life that has profoundly shaped the Nigerian advertising and marketing industry. For those who missed it, the stories, laughter, and tributes shared during the event will linger as a poignant reminder of what they missed, a night that wasn’t just a tribute but a historic moment in the annals of Nigerian advertising.
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