Dr. Bayo-Ajayi Invested As NIMN President, Sets Ethical Direction For Nigeria’s Marketing Profession
Trust, leadership and professional responsibility framed the investiture of Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajaiyi as President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, as the Institute ushered in a new era of leadership at a time when the marketing profession faces increasing demands for accountability, relevance and ethical conduct.
The investiture ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, followed Dr. Bayo-Ajaiyi’s election in June and brought together senior marketing professionals, corporate leaders and industry stakeholders from across the country. Shortly after taking the oath of office, the newly invested President delivered an address that was reflective, candid and forward-looking, setting the tone for her tenure and outlining her expectations for members of the Institute.
In her speech, she revealed that her journey to the presidency was not initially one she actively pursued. She recounted how the suggestion of her candidacy was first met with hesitation, even resistance, until repeated calls from colleagues shifted her perspective.
Standing before members of the Institute, Dr. Bayo-Ajaiyi said she felt the full weight of responsibility that comes with leadership, describing the role as both a privilege and a call to service. According to her, leadership goes beyond occupying a position or bearing a title, finding its true meaning in the commitment to elevate others and strengthen what the organisation stands for.
She expressed appreciation to members of the Institute and the governing council for their support since her election, noting that work had already begun in the months leading to the investiture. She also acknowledged the contributions of past leaders of the Institute, particularly the former President, Dr. Idorenyen Enang who first inducted her as a Fellow and later encouraged her to take on greater responsibility, as well as the immediate past President, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen whom she credited with laying a strong foundation for the Institute’s continued growth.
Describing the presidency of NIMN as a public service, Dr. Bayo-Ajaiyi challenged members to move beyond numerical strength to active participation. She observed that while the Institute boasts a significant membership base, leadership can often feel lonely because only a fraction of members are consistently willing to support initiatives and do the work required to move the profession forward. She warned that progress would continue regardless, urging members who are not currently engaged to get involved or risk being left behind.
Looking ahead, the new President said the Institute was at a critical point where it must amplify its voice and visibility within Nigeria’s marketing and business ecosystem. She emphasised collaboration as a key strategic priority, stressing that despite operating across different sectors and specialisations, marketers are united under a common professional umbrella strong enough to drive collective advancement. According to her, collaboration and professional excellence will be central to taking the Institute to greater heights.
One of the highlights of the investiture ceremony was the induction of 23 senior marketing professionals as Fellows of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, having met the rigorous professional and ethical standards prescribed by the Institute. In her address, the Registrar of NIMN, Mrs Thelma Okoh, confirmed that the inductees had satisfied all conditions required for the fellowship cadre, describing the honour as a recognition of sustained professional contribution and commitment to ethical practice.
In addition, renowned business leader Mrs Ibukun Awosika was conferred with an honorary fellowship of the Institute. Awosika, who also delivered a keynote address at the ceremony, spoke on the theme “Leadership, Trust, and Brand Sustainability,” highlighting the importance of integrity, consistency and character in building enduring brands. She noted that trust is earned through performance and sustained by how leaders respond in moments of failure, warning that reputation, though costly to build, can be easily destroyed.
Drawing from personal leadership experiences, Awosika underlined the inseparability of personal brand and corporate brand, arguing that organisations ultimately reflect the values and conduct of those who lead them. She maintained that a consistent trail of ethical behaviour and truth creates a reservoir of trust that sustains leaders and brands during periods of crisis.
