The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has concluded all arrangements to hold its inaugural LEADHERS in Marketing Conference, themed “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing”.
The institute announced at a press conference today at its new head office in Gbagada, ahead of the conference scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The conference is strategically aligned with the International Women’s Day celebration period. It is described as a gathering designed to bring together women visionaries, trailblazers, and professionals reshaping the marketing industry.
Speaking at the press conference, NIMN President, Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, explained that the conference aims to build women into leadership positions within marketing and across sectors, increase visibility for female professionals, promote measurable industry impact, provide structured mentorship, and encourage continuous professional and personal development.
She noted, “While women have made remarkable strides in the profession, there is still a need to strengthen the leadership pipeline and create structured pathways that allow talent to thrive.”
The initiative is anchored on six pillars: leadership, visibility, impact, growth, mentorship, and professional development. According to Dr. Bayo-Ajayi, “These pillars ensure that women are empowered to lead based on skill, capacity, and measurable impact, not just representation.”
The launch will feature a series of high-profile sessions. The keynote address will be delivered by Osayi Alile, CEO of Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, bringing cross-sector leadership insights into the evolving influence of women shaping marketing.
A panel discussion will follow, featuring Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, CFO of MTN Nigeria; Adebola Williams, Marketing Director at Promasidor Nigeria; and Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs, with moderation by Dr. Chisom Maliza.
The conference will also host a fireside chat with Folashade Soetan, CEO of Ikeja Electric, moderated by Tosin Adefeko, Founder/CEO of AT3 Resources.
According to NIMN, the LEADHERS in Marketing Conference is not just about representation. “This is a deliberate effort to inspire the next generation of women leaders, strengthen the pathway from marketing into executive roles, and position Nigeria as a hub for marketing leadership development,” Dr. Bayo-Ajayi said.
The event is free and open to marketing professionals, corporate executives, students, and industry stakeholders.
