President Bola Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s advertising industry, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Tuesday, Tinubu described Shobanjo as a highly esteemed marketing communications expert and an advertising guru whose work has left an indelible mark on the industry.

“Dr. Biodun Shobanjo is not only a titan of the advertising world but also a beacon of excellence and innovation in Nigeria’s marketing communications sector. His dedication to his craft and his pioneering spirit have elevated the industry to new heights,” the President said.

Shobanjo’s illustrious career began at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation before he joined Grant Advertising in 1971. Rising swiftly through the ranks, he became Deputy Managing Director in 1976. Four years later, he founded Insight Communications, which would go on to revolutionise Nigeria’s advertising landscape.

Under Shobanjo’s leadership, Insight Communications expanded into a marketing powerhouse, launching initiatives such as Quadrant, Nigeria’s first public relations consultancy, and All Seasons Mediacom, the country’s first media independent agency. Over time, these enterprises were consolidated under the Troyka Organisation, which also includes Halogen Security, founded by Shobanjo in 1992.

Tinubu highlighted Shobanjo’s contributions to the nation’s development, particularly through the advancement of marketing communications, a sector crucial to economic growth, social progress, and infrastructural development.

Dr. Shobanjo’s accomplishments as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and advertising professional exemplify discipline, integrity, and dedication. These virtues not only define his career but also inspire countless young professionals in the field,” Tinubu noted.

Reflecting on Shobanjo’s impact, Tinubu expressed confidence in his continued influence on the industry.

“I am certain that Dr. Shobanjo will remain a guiding light, sharing his vast knowledge and insights with practitioners striving to uphold best practices rooted in truth, local content promotion, and transparency—values that align with Nigeria’s development goals,” Tinubu added.

Concluding his message, Tinubu wished Shobanjo “many more years of good health, happiness, and continued success” while celebrating his extraordinary legacy.

Shobanjo’s contributions remain a testament to the transformative power of innovation and leadership in shaping industries and uplifting nations.

A former banker turned businessman, Olufemi Olalekan Olushakin alongside two others on Thursday were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ibadan, Oyo State for alleged robbery.

Olushakin —now at large— and the two suspects — Ayomide Akanbi and David Adewale— were alleged to have conspired to commit felony to-wit armed robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap RII Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

In the case with Charge number: MI/1672C (Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Vs. Ayomide Akanbi, M, 32 and David Adewole, M, 47): “Count 1: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on 13th December, 2024 at about 5:00pm at Global Signature Hotel, New Gbagi Road, Ibadan in the Ibadan Magisterial District did conspire together to commit felony to-wit Armed Robbery and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 6 (B) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

“Count 11: That you (1) Ayomide Akanbi ‘M’ (2) David Adewole ‘M’ and one Olusakin Olufemi Olalekan ‘M’ now at large on the same date, time and place in the above Magisterial District while armed yourselves with guns and some other dangerous weapons did attack one Akinola Dare ‘M’ and also dispossessed him of cash sum of Two Million, One Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira (N2,140,000.00) only, property of Global Signature Hotel Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R II Vol. 14 laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.”

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kefas Usman told court that Olushakin —a former branch manager with a second generation bank and now Chairman of LAC Autos & Spare Ltd.— alongside Akanbi, Adewale and others on the night of Friday, December 13, allegedly forcefully gained entrance into Global Signature Hotel in Ibadan by disarming the security men at the gate.

Usman stated that the suspects made forceful and unlawful entry into the hotel, went straight to the control room, destroyed the CCTV memory and cut off the CCTV machine.

“After vandalizing it, they went to the POS machine, took the machines of the company, went to the manager of the hotel, one Dare Akinola, at gunpoint took him to the cash registry to collect all the sales of the week including room sales, lodgment, bar & hall payment totalling over N2,140,000 (Two million, One hundred and forty thousand Naira).

“They went to all the rooms, rounded up all the customers, and forcefully asked them to transfer money into Olushakin’s personal account during the robbery.

“At gunpoint, they gathered everybody to the reception, laid them down at gunpoint and in fear of their lives, the customers made cash transfers to Olushakin’s accounts, they vandalized some other things, took the lodgment book, computers, and other equipment.”

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Giwa Babalola, ordered that the suspects should be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Center in Ibadan.

She adjourned the case till January 29, 2025 for further mention.

However, with Olushakin’s absence during the arraignment, the Oyo State Police Command has launched a manhunt for him with a bounty of N5 million placed on him to the public for anybody with useful information leading to arrest.