WIMCA 2025: We Are Shaping The Future Of Marketing And Communications In Africa, Says Joshua Ajayi

Convener of Women In Marketing and Communications Conference/Awards (WIMCA), Joshua Ajayi, has said that the platform is not just making history, but is shaping the future of marketing and communications across the continent.

Joshua Ajayi made this statement while delivering his welcome address at this year’s WIMCA Conference/Awards, held recently at Landmark Event Centre VI, Lagos.

Explaining further, he said, “WIMCA has helped thousands of women gain better professional lives by addressing many of the long-neglected issues that affect their growth and visibility in the workplace. Through our conferences, mentorship programs, and awards, we’ve inspired professionals to break boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and redefine excellence in their respective fields.

Looking at the trajectory of the platform, Ajayi revealed that, “Over the years, WIMCA has built a reputation as one of the most impactful platforms igniting passion, confidence, and ambition among women professionals. We have become a movement that propels women toward attaining enviable heights in marketing, communications, and management. From our humble beginnings, we have steadily grown into one of the most viable and glamorous platforms for networking, learning, and brand visibility, not just for women, but also for the incredible men who continue to support and champion gender inclusion in our industry.

Speaking on the theme of the event for 2025, he said “This theme speaks to the natural progression of every ambitious woman. To Bloom is to grow, to find your footing, and to discover your voice. To Boom is to make an impact, to thrive, and to own your space. And to Zoom is to soar, to take that leap to the next level of leadership and influence. This year, we’re connecting those dots, from the blooming career of a young professional to that explosive stage where she’s ready to conquer new frontiers. No woman in this industry should miss what today has to offer”.

Appreciating important personalities that have enhanced the success of the project, he said, “I must say, this journey has not been one I’ve taken alone. It’s been powered by the passion and support of countless individuals who believe in this vision. Among them is someone very special to us, our Chairman of the 2025 WIMCA event, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh. Mrs. Ukoh has been part of this story from the very beginning, from the early days when WIMCA was still just an idea, a dream shared among a few great minds. She believed when it was easiest not to. Her support, her insights, and her contributions have been instrumental in shaping what WIMCA has become today. Today, she joins us as the first Chairperson of WIMCA, who will also deliver today’s keynote. Please join me in appreciating Mrs. Iquo Ukoh for her leadership, her commitment, and her enduring faith in this vision”, he added.

The conference featured a keynote delivered by Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, the quintessential professional and multi-dimensional Marketing Advisor. A distinguished fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Marketing and a highly respected veteran within the West African Marketing Communications space.

There was a fireside chat session that featured Ramat Babah, an astute professional and director of Treasury at HIS Nigeria and Anastacia Igbokidi, Head of brand at Moniepoint. The two financial analysts spoke on “Your Finances and Your Future”.

During the Awards segment. Special recognitions were given to outstanding brands and personalities at the event. IHS Nigeria went home with two Awards – Most outstanding IT and Telecom Company in Gender Inclusion, and Most outstanding IT and Telecom Infrastructure Company in Women Empowerment. Other corporate awards include Coca-cola, Sara by Wema, Standard Chartered, etc.

Outstanding Industry player were also recognized at the event. Omoefe Ohworakpo, was recognised as most outstanding media professional of the year (Brands), while Esosa Osagiede, as Creative Advertising Director of the Year, among others. Other winners were Chioma OtisI-Igwe, Adenike Ajani, Elohor Olumide-Awe, etc.

Industry Amazon, Hannah Oyebanjo, Managing Director, Redwood Consulting received the Lifetime Achievement Award.