Lagos, Nigeria: In a landmark moment for West African creativity, Advertising practitioner 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.
In a statement on Saturday, the induction was announced at the 47th annual Loeries Awards ceremony held on Friday night in Cape Town, South Africa.
The award celebrates Shobanjo’s visionary leadership, outstanding contributions to marketing communications, and his role in building one of Africa’s most formidable creative and business groups, the Troyka Group.
The Loeries Awards are regarded as Africa and the Middle East’s most respected platform for recognising excellence, innovation and creativity in brand communication.
The Loeries Hall of Fame is the organisation’s highest individual accolade, reserved for exceptional leaders who have devoted their careers to advancing professionalism and creativity in the marketing communications industry.
Shobanjo becomes the 16th recipient of the honour, joining a distinguished circle that includes Dani Richa, Chairman and CEO of BBDO EMEA, and John Hunt, Worldwide Creative Director, TBWA/Worldwide.
Shobanjo has been a defining voice in the African marketing communications industry for more than four decades.
As Chairman of Troyka Holdings, the parent company of Insight Publicis, Leo Burnett, Starcom Media Perspectives, All Seasons Zenith, Quadrant MSL, Digitas, Optimum Exposures, and Halogen Security Company, he has led a movement that redefined creativity, strategy and professionalism in West Africa.
Under his leadership, Troyka evolved from an indigenous enterprise into a globally connected network through a partnership with Publicis Groupe, the world’s largest marketing communications conglomerate.
The group’s agencies have won multiple international awards and have been recognised for outstanding creativity and strategic excellence.
Shobanjo, widely described as the “Father of Modern Advertising in Nigeria,” is known for his commitment to talent development and mentorship, which has helped shape generations of practitioners in the marketing communications ecosystem.
He was conferred with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour in 2022 by former President Muhammadu Buhari in recognition of his contributions to national development.
Founded in 1978, the Loeries remains Africa and the Middle East’s oldest and most prestigious award body dedicated to celebrating creative excellence in brand communication.
Through its Hall of Fame, introduced in 2008, the organisation honours individuals whose work and leadership have made a lasting impact on the industry through innovation, mentorship and inspiration.
Past inductees include globally recognised industry figures, making Shobanjo’s recognition a significant milestone for West Africa and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in the global creative economy.
The Troyka Group continues to lead in marketing, communications, and security management through its specialised agencies that deliver integrated services across advertising, public relations, digital strategy, media planning, and experiential marketing.
The group is known for its creative excellence, strategic depth, and commitment to nurturing young African talent.
