Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, the former Chairman of Zenith Bank, stands as a towering figure in the realms of marketing communication and advertising. With a career marked by numerous accolades, including the national award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), he currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN). His expertise in mass communication and social marketing has significantly contributed to the national efforts in combating HIV, TB, and other communicable diseases.
Omojafor commenced his educational journey at the prestigious University of Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication in 1972, where he specialized in marketing communications. His insatiable quest for knowledge propelled him to actively engage in a multitude of renowned advertising seminars and workshops on a global scale. For instance, he delved into programs in the United States, immersing himself in the dynamic landscape of marketing trends and strategies. Additionally, he explored opportunities in Australia, gaining insights into cross-cultural communication approaches that shaped his professional outlook.
As a co-founder of the esteemed Rosabel Advertising Agency and the former Group Managing Director/CEO of STB-MCCANN, Omojafor has played a crucial role in shaping the marketing communication landscape. His experience in the advertising industry spans decades, marked by innovative campaigns that have left a lasting impact. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Omojafor’s leadership extends beyond the corporate realm. He actively contributes to academia, sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise with the next generation of marketing professionals. As the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Augustine University in Epe, Omojafor plays a pivotal role in guiding the institution towards excellence in education and research. Furthermore, his involvement with the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria underscores his commitment to advancing the advertising industry in the country.
Omojafor’s influence reaches beyond corporate boardrooms into the sphere of philanthropy. He is a director of multiple companies in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone and is actively involved in numerous non-governmental organizations. His philanthropic endeavors include serving as Director of Bloom Cancer Care and Support Center, Trustee of the National Association of Handicapped Persons, and Golden Pillar (Goodwill Ambassador) for the National Cancer Prevention Program. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing (NIMARK) and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON).
Entering the advertising realm in the early 1970s, Omojafor embarked on his journalistic career at Daily Times. His transition to the advertising sphere commenced at Lintas in 1972, under the guidance of industry luminaries such as Chief Moemeke, Olu Falomo, and Segun Ogundumi. Ascending the corporate ladder to assume the role of Managing Director, Omojafor’s enterprising nature led him to co-establish Rosabel Advertising Limited, a trailblazing agency in Nigeria. In 1990, he solidified his legacy by establishing STB-McCann, another prominent agency in the industry.
Known fondly as Omo Jesu among his peers and associates, Omojafor has occupied various prominent positions, such as President of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria (now AAAN) and Vice President of the International Advertising Association (IAA), Nigerian Chapter. His tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Zenith Bank Plc. until June 2014, alongside his current role as a Non-Executive Director, underscores his enduring influence on Nigeria’s corporate and financial landscapes.
Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor’s career epitomizes his innovative spirit, steadfast dedication to excellence, and profound commitment to societal causes. His impact on the realms of marketing, advertising, and philanthropy serves as a source of inspiration, molding the industry for generations to come.
