Nigeria’s legendary advertising pioneer, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman of Troyka Holdings, has been inducted into the prestigious Loeries Hall of Fame — the first West African to receive this honor since its inception in 2008. The recognition was announced during the 47th annual Loeries Awards ceremony held on October 10, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa.
This accolade celebrates Dr. Shobanjo’s visionary leadership, groundbreaking contributions to marketing communications, and his pivotal role in establishing one of Africa’s most influential creative and business conglomerates, the Troyka Group.
The Loeries, Africa and the Middle East’s most esteemed platform for creative excellence, reserves its Hall of Fame for industry icons whose careers have significantly advanced regional marketing, mentorship, and innovation. With this induction, Dr. Shobanjo becomes the 16th recipient, joining a distinguished global fraternity.
For over four decades, Dr. Shobanjo has been a transformative figure in African marketing. As Chairman of Troyka Holdings, he has guided the development of a conglomerate that includes Insight Communications, Leo Burnett, Starcom Media Perspectives, and several other industry leaders. His leadership has elevated Troyka from a Nigerian enterprise into a globally connected network, notably through its partnership with Publicis Groupe.
Under his guidance, Troyka has set standards for integrated marketing excellence across Africa, earning numerous international awards for creativity and strategic innovation. Widely regarded as Nigeria’s “Father of Modern Advertising,” Shobanjo’s mentorship and emphasis on discipline and innovation have nurtured countless industry practitioners and entrepreneurs.
His contributions have been recognized nationally and internationally, including Nigeria’s Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor awarded by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
