Nigeria’s foremost advertising leader and chairman of Troyka Holdings, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, has been inducted into the Loeries Hall of Fame, becoming the first West African to receive the prestigious honour since the award’s inception in 2008.
The induction, announced at the 47th annual Loeries Awards ceremony held on Friday, 10th October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, celebrates Dr. Shobanjo’s visionary leadership, trailblazing contributions to marketing communications, and his role in building one of Africa’s most formidable creative and business institutions; the Troyka Group.
The Loeries Awards remain Africa and the Middle East’s most esteemed platform for recognising excellence, innovation, and creativity across the marketing communications landscape. The Loeries Hall of Fame is its highest individual accolade, reserved for exceptional leaders who have dedicated their careers to elevating creativity and professionalism in the marketing communications industry across the region. Dr. Shobanjo becomes the 16th recipient of the award, joining a distinguished circle of global industry figures.
For over four decades, Dr. Shobanjo has been a defining voice in the African marketing and communications industry. As the chairman of Troyka Holdings, the parent company of Insight Communications, Leo Burnett, Starcom Media Perspectives, All Seasons Zenith, Quadrant MSL, Digitas, Optimum Exposures, and Halogen Security Company, he has led a transformative movement that redefined the standards of creativity, strategy, and professionalism in West Africa.
Under his leadership, the Troyka Group evolved from a wholly indigenous enterprise into an internationally connected network, through its partnership with Publicis Groupe, the world’s largest marketing communications conglomerate.
Through his leadership, the Troyka Group has become a benchmark for integrated communications in Africa. Its agencies have won multiple international awards and have been recognised for outstanding creativity and strategic excellence.
Beyond corporate success, Dr. Shobanjo is widely regarded as the “Father of Modern Advertising in Nigeria.” His visionary approach to talent development and mentorship has paved the way for generations of practitioners and entrepreneurs in the marketing communications ecosystem. His philosophy of discipline, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the creative economy in West Africa.
He has also been recognised nationally and internationally for his contributions. In October 2022, Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour.
