10th year fidau for advertising icon
Stakeholders in outdoor advertising, families, friends and associates would tomorrow hold a remembrance for an outstanding outdoor advertising practitioner, Alhaji Soliu Kehinde Olasode. Olasode was co-founder and pioneer managing director
Stakeholders in outdoor advertising, families, friends and associates would tomorrow hold a remembrance for an outstanding outdoor advertising practitioner, Alhaji Soliu Kehinde Olasode.
Olasode was co-founder and pioneer managing director of Abiok Publicity, one of Nigeria’s top out-of-home agencies.
The 10th year remembrance and fidau prayers would hold at his home at Mongoro, Agege, Lagos, by noon.
Olasode’s professional journey took a defining turn when he met his close associate and lifelong business partner, Alhaji Jimoh Lawal, at Greenland Publicity Limited, where both served meritoriously. United by a shared vision, they established their outdoor advertising company, Abiok Publicity Limited.
Alhaji Olasode rose from humble beginnings through hard work, foresight, and dedication. He became the pioneering managing director and co-founder of Abiok a top outdoor advertising company in Nigeria and West Africa. His entrepreneurial drive also led to co-founding Jimmy Kay Ventures and Ogun News Today, further underscoring his broad influence across sectors.
His career spanned reputable organisations, including Publicity Associates of Nigeria, Nigeria Advertising Services, Greenland Publicity, and Abiok Publicity Limited, where he served with distinction from 1976.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the industry, he was awarded the Best Outdoor Advertising Practitioner in 2006 at the APCON Night of Fellows Awards.
A pioneer in the outdoor advertising sector, Olasode was a founding member of the Outdoor Advertising Contractors Association of Nigeria (OAAN). He served the association in various capacities, including Executive Member and Chairman of the Outdoor Regulatory Committee. In this role, he played a pivotal part in the planning and development of major advertising corridors such as Ikorodu Road, Ijora, and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way—standards that remain relevant to this day. In recognition of his immense contributions, he was later appointed a Member of the Board of Trustees of OAAN.
A firm believer in professional development and capacity building, he instituted three annual prizes in the APCON Diploma Programme in 1999 through Abiok Publicity Limited.
These awards supported excellence in communication skills, business communication, and advertising production techniques, and were sustained for seven consecutive years.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Alhaji Olasode was a respected traditional title holder, serving as Osi Mayegun of Gbagura Kingdom, Abeokuta and Osi Ajiroba of Ogba Kingdom, Lagos.
He was also actively involved in social and community development through several associations, including Top Social Club, Lagos Prestige Brothers, Committee of Notable Friends and Social Reformers Club.
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A man of exceptional character, Olasode was widely regarded as a detribalized Nigerian, a consummate gentleman, and an accomplished sportsman. His life was defined by integrity, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to service.
Olasode’s legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and excellence. He built enduring institutions, inspired countless lives, and played a significant role in shaping the landscape of outdoor advertising in Nigeria.
Olasode was born on 11th August 1946 to Pa Salaudeen and Mama Rabiat Ayinke Olasode in Erin Itori Village, Ado-Odo, Ota, Ogun State. He began his educational journey at Itori Primary School alongside his late twin brother, Mr. Musa Taiwo Olasode, who sadly passed away in 1971.
Following the loss of his twin brother, he relocated to Papa Ajao, Lagos, where he apprenticed in carpentry under the guidance of his late elder brother, Alhaji Amidu Olasode. This early exposure to craftsmanship laid the foundation for his strong work ethic and resilience.
