WIMCA 2025: Iquo Ukoh Challenges Marketers To Pursue Excellence Through Collaboration, Continuous Learning
The Chairperson of the 2025 Women in Marketing and Communications Conference and Awards (WIMCA) and keynote speaker, Mrs. Iquo Ukoh, has charged marketing professionals to pursue excellence through collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Delivering her keynote address titled “In Pursuit of Excellence” at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, Mrs. Ukoh, a seasoned marketing strategist and Chief Executive Officer of Entod Marketing Ltd, emphasized that the marketing and communications industry has evolved significantly, calling for a deliberate mindset shift among professionals.
“The marketing industry has evolved over the years, but the question is, do you have the right set of skills?” she asked. “Since the rise of AI, there has been a clear need for adaptation. Today’s marketing requires a shift in how we blend digital and physical marketing experiences.”
She highlighted the need for upskilling, noting that excellence in the profession comes from constant learning and reinvention. “Upskilling yourself is how to achieve anything in this profession. The moment you stop learning, you start fading,” she said.
According to her, the pursuit of excellence is not a final destination but an ongoing process of growth and improvement. “What appears to be excellent today might not be excellent tomorrow. The moment you feel you have arrived, you are already aiming for failure,” she stated.
Mrs. Ukoh further stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving professional success. “Collaborative efforts help us build the focus that makes the journey easier,” she remarked. “No one attains excellence in isolation. Growth happens when we share knowledge, build partnerships, and challenge each other to do better. The pursuit of excellence is not comfortable, but it is always worth it in the end.”
This year’s conference, themed “Bloom. Boom. Zoom: The Pursuit of Excellence,” explored the evolution of women in marketing from finding their voices to thriving and taking up leadership positions within the African marketing and communications space.
Speaking on the theme, the Convener of WIMCA, Mr. Joshua Ajayi, described it as a journey of growth and empowerment. “To Bloom is to grow and find your voice. To Boom is to thrive and make an impact. And to Zoom is to soar, to take that leap to the next level of leadership,” he explained.
The conference featured a fireside chat and panel sessions with distinguished speakers and thought leaders who shared insights on leadership, creativity, and navigating the evolving marketing landscape.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Communications, celebrating women making remarkable impact across Africa.
The awards segment also recognized corporate and individual excellence. IHS Nigeria, Coca-Cola, SARA by Wema, and Standard Chartered received accolades for their commitment to gender inclusion and women empowerment. Industry veteran Hannah Oyebanjo, Managing Director of Redwood Consulting, was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
As the industry continues to evolve, Mrs. Ukoh’s message resonated deeply, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of excellence is a journey of growth, learning, and collaboration.
WIMCA 2025 once again reaffirmed its place as a premier platform for inspiring and empowering women to thrive and redefine leadership within Africa’s marketing and communications ecosystem.
