The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) recently hosted its inaugural “Leadhers in Marketing” Conference, themed “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing,” on March 6, 2026. The event was strategically timed to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations and aimed to bring together women professionals, executives, and thought leaders from the marketing and corporate sectors.
At the conference, NIMN President Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi emphasized the importance of bolstering women’s leadership roles across various domains. She outlined how the conference seeks to enhance female participation in leadership, thereby fostering increased influence and innovation in the marketing field.
Empowering Women through Strategic Leadership
Bolajoko remarked, “While remarkable strides have been made, it is crucial to deepen the leadership pipeline.” The initiative is built on six key pillars: leadership, visibility, impact, growth, mentorship, and professional development. These pillars serve as the framework for empowering women to lead not merely by representation but through tangible skills and measurable outcomes.
A Keynote Address: Insights on Women’s Influence
The keynote speech by Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer of the Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, provided insights into the increasing influence of women in leadership. She highlighted the expanding opportunities for female professionals in marketing and how they can shape industry practices through innovative thinking.
Panel Discussion: Perspectives from Industry Leaders
The event also featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Chizor Malize, Managing Director of the Financial Institutions Training Centre. Expert panelists included Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria; Adebola Williams, Marketing Director at Promasidor Nigeria; and Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs.
During this discussion, Chioma Afe shed light on the importance of sustainability and credible storytelling in marketing strategies. She stated that effective marketing needs to be anchored in verifiable data and transparency, underscoring the importance of “one source of truth” for communicating corporate social responsibility and governance initiatives.
Utilizing Technology: A Game Changer for Women
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka discussed the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, in enhancing women’s influence in the corporate landscape. She noted that while technology is a neutral force, its impact largely depends on how professionals leverage data to inform strategic decisions. Ikenna-Emeka encouraged women to embrace technology to enhance their decision-making capabilities.
Authenticity and Trust in Marketing
In his contributions, Adebola Williams emphasized the necessity of authenticity in marketing. He pointed out that consumer trust cannot be taken for granted and must be earned continuously through quality, availability, and credible messaging. Williams underscored the need for marketers to remain close to their audiences to understand evolving expectations and behaviors.
NIMN’s Broader Goals: Inclusive Leadership
The conference exemplified NIMN’s commitment to fostering professional development within the marketing sector. By creating platforms that facilitate inclusive leadership and collaboration, NIMN aims to ensure a vibrant future for the marketing discipline, one where diverse voices are amplified, and women’s leadership is nurtured and celebrated.
