MARKETING EDGE ONTV will this Wednesday host Adetunji Oyebanji, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 11Plc, in what promises to be a revealing conversation on leadership, corporate transformation, sustainability and the enduring values that shaped one of the most remarkable careers in Nigeria’s energy sector.

The upcoming edition, scheduled to air on WAP TV (DStv Channel 262) from 11:00am to 11:30am and TVC News (DStv Channel 418) from 12:30pm to 1:00pm, will place the spotlight on a corporate leader whose professional journey spans over four decades of service, growth, transformation and institution-building. A repeat broadcast will air on Thursday on WAP TV from 9:30am to 10:00am.

During the programme, viewers will gain first-hand insights into the defining experiences that shaped Oyebanji’s rise from a young Marketing Representative Trainee at the then Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc in 1980 to the highest leadership position within the organisation.

Equally, the conversation will examine two major themes that have defined his professional philosophy: the leadership lessons from steering 11Plc through major corporate transformation following ExxonMobil’s divestment, and his long-standing advocacy for sustainability, governance and responsible business practices.

Indeed, Oyebanji’s career trajectory stands as a compelling example of steady progression built on competence, discipline and consistency. After joining Mobil Oil Nigeria shortly after his National Youth Service, he steadily moved through a succession of increasingly demanding roles including Planning Associate, Pricing Manager, District Manager, Branch Manager, Manager of Fuels Services and Executive Director, Fuels. Each assignment expanded his understanding of the business while simultaneously preparing him for broader strategic responsibilities.

That progression eventually culminated in his appointment as Chairman and Managing Director in 2008, before he later assumed the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of 11Plc following the company’s transition from Mobil Oil Nigeria after ExxonMobil’s divestment.

Throughout that period, he successfully guided the organisation through changing market realities, regulatory reforms, ownership transitions and evolving consumer expectations.

Beyond Nigeria, his professional journey extended across multiple international markets. Over the years, he undertook strategic assignments in the United States, Cameroon, Ethiopia and Belgium, experiences that exposed him to diverse business cultures, leadership models and operational systems.

Those assignments, according to industry observers, helped shape the global perspective that would later define his leadership style and strategic outlook.

However, beyond executive titles and boardroom accomplishments, Oyebanji has become widely recognised for the convictions he has consistently championed throughout his career.

Through years of experience, he has come to understand that sustainable businesses are built not merely on profitability but on responsibility, accountability and long-term thinking.

Consequently, he has repeatedly advocated for brands to integrate sustainability into the entire lifecycle of their products and services. He believes organisations must first understand the communities they serve before they can create meaningful value.

As a result, he has continually encouraged businesses to embrace responsible consumption, reduce environmental impact and adopt innovative approaches that support circular economy principles.

Furthermore, the veteran corporate executive has consistently argued that Environmental, Social and Governance principles can no longer remain optional considerations for modern organisations. Rather, he believes they have become essential drivers of long-term competitiveness, stakeholder trust and organisational relevance.

Equally important, experience has taught him that sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship. Over the years, he has repeatedly maintained that businesses must create measurable social impact within their communities.

According to him, corporate responsibility should move beyond symbolic gestures and become a deliberate commitment to improving lives, empowering communities and creating shared value.

Another issue he has never stopped canvassing is the importance of strong governance. Through decades of leadership experience, he has come to realise that enduring institutions are built on ethical conduct, transparency, regulatory compliance, accountability and disciplined management systems. In his view, governance remains the foundation upon which sustainable organisations are built.

His professional journey has also reinforced his belief in the timeless values of hard work, consistency, integrity and prayer. Those principles, he often says, helped him navigate challenges, seize opportunities and remain focused throughout nearly 45 years of corporate leadership.

In addition to his achievements at 11Plc, Oyebanji has played influential roles across several professional and industry bodies. He currently serves as President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria.

Previously, he chaired the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, led the Petroleum Downstream Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and served as Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria.

His contributions have attracted widespread recognition across the marketing, energy and corporate governance communities, including his recognition by MARKETING EDGE as Outstanding Oil and Gas Brand Personality of the Decade and recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in Marketing.

As retirement approaches after an extraordinary 45-year career, the conversation offers more than a reflection on professional accomplishments.

Rather, it presents a rare opportunity to hear directly from a business leader whose journey traversed continents, industries and leadership responsibilities while remaining anchored on values, discipline and service.

Viewers can therefore expect a thought-provoking session filled with lessons on leadership, transformation, sustainability, governance and personal excellence, amongst several other issues surrounding a career that evolved from a trainee position into one of the most respected leadership legacies in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.