Biodun Shobanjo, a towering figure in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing landscape and the chairman of Troyka Holdings, has been bestowed with the inaugural BB Apprenticeship Award by the Bolaji Junaid Mentorship Programme (BJuMP). This prestigious accolade recognizes Shobanjo’s unparalleled contributions to mentorship and the remarkable growth of the industry within Nigeria. The award, presented at the third edition of BJuMP’s Mentors Meet Mentees Mixer in Lagos, serves as a testament to Shobanjo’s enduring legacy of nurturing young talent and shaping the careers of countless professionals across corporate Africa. The event also saw the recognition of Jimi Awosika, another industry stalwart, further solidifying the evening’s focus on celebrating mentorship and leadership within the advertising and marketing sphere.
The BB Apprenticeship Award, named in honor of industry icons, is specifically designed to celebrate individuals who have demonstrably fostered the growth and development of young professionals. Bolaji Junaid, the founder of BJuMP, emphasized the significance of the award, highlighting Shobanjo’s remarkable impact not just on building an industry, but on cultivating generations of professionals who have gone on to make significant contributions themselves. Shobanjo’s influence extends beyond the confines of his own companies, touching numerous lives and shaping the very fabric of the advertising and marketing sector in Nigeria. The award serves as a powerful symbol of appreciation for his dedication and commitment to nurturing talent.
The Mentors Meet Mentees Mixer provided a platform for industry professionals to connect, share experiences, and learn from established leaders. A fireside chat with Shobanjo served as a highlight of the event, offering attendees a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary. During the conversation, Shobanjo reflected on the remarkable transformation of the advertising sector in Nigeria. He recalled a time, over four decades ago, when advertising was not a sought-after profession. Today, the industry boasts an annual revenue exceeding N605 billion, a testament to the tremendous growth and evolution spearheaded by pioneers like Shobanjo. His insights underscored the dynamic nature of the industry and the importance of adapting to evolving trends.
Shobanjo’s emphasis on the crucial role of young professionals in shaping the future of the industry served as a powerful message to the next generation of leaders. He highlighted the importance of mentorship in career development, stressing the symbiotic relationship between mentors and mentees. He offered valuable advice on navigating the complexities of mentor-mentee relationships, noting that the circumstances surrounding a mentee’s departure from a mentor often determine the longevity and ultimate success of the relationship. His words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to growth within these crucial professional partnerships.
Further accolades poured in from prominent figures within the industry, including Olalekan Fadolapo, the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria. Represented by Winifred Akpa, Fadolapo commended Shobanjo’s immense contributions to the advertising landscape, emphasizing the lasting impact his influence will have on generations to come. These tributes underscored the widespread recognition of Shobanjo’s pivotal role in shaping the industry and his enduring legacy as a mentor and leader. The recognition from a regulatory body further solidified his standing as a respected figure within the advertising community.
The event also witnessed the launch of Bolaji Junaid’s book, Tripreneur, a compelling narrative chronicling his multifaceted journey through entrepreneurship, sociopreneurship, and intrapreneurship. This book offers valuable lessons for young professionals seeking to build career resilience and navigate the challenges of the modern workplace. The unveiling of Tripreneur at this significant event served as a fitting complement to the celebration of mentorship, providing attendees with a tangible resource to further their professional development. The book’s focus on diverse entrepreneurial pursuits resonated with the theme of fostering innovation and growth within the industry. The BB Apprenticeship Award, with Biodun Shobanjo and Jimi Awosika as its inaugural recipients, establishes a new standard for recognizing excellence in mentorship within corporate Africa, setting a precedent for future generations of leaders to emulate. The award and the event as a whole served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of mentorship and its crucial role in shaping the future of industry and individual careers alike.
