The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has unveiled LeadHers in Marketing, a landmark initiative designed to strengthen the leadership pipeline for women across Nigeria’s marketing profession. The programme, which seeks to drive visibility, impact, growth, mentorship and professional excellence among female marketers, will debut with its inaugural conference on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. 

Themed “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing,” the event aligns with International Women’s Day celebrations and signals a bold new chapter for the Institute.

According to NIMN President, Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, LeadHers was conceived as more than a symbolic platform. Speaking at a press conference at the Institute’s Secretariat, she explained that the initiative represents a strategic shift from simply advocating for representation to intentionally building women into positions of influence and executive authority. 

She noted that while women have made significant strides within the marketing field, there remains a lingering perception that marketing roles do not always translate into top-tier leadership positions in the same way as finance or operations. LeadHers, she said, aims to dismantle that assumption by equipping women with the skills, confidence and exposure required to ascend to visionary leadership roles.

Dr. Bayo-Ajayi emphasized that influence in today’s marketing landscape must extend beyond personal accomplishments. True leadership, she argued, lies in building a sustainable pipeline that bridges generational gaps and ensures continuity. The theme “Redefining Influence: Women Shaping the Future of Marketing,” reflects this philosophy, encouraging accomplished professionals to mentor emerging talent and to create structures that support long-term advancement for women in the industry.

The conference will convene an impressive lineup of public and private sector leaders, underscoring the initiative’s broad relevance. The Special Guest of Honour will be Folashade Bada Ambrose, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment in Lagos State, highlighting the Institute’s statutory ties to government. Delivering the keynote address is Osayi Alile, Chief Executive Officer of the Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, whose leadership journey in the development sector exemplifies the cross-industry nature of influence and impact.

A panel discussion featuring accomplished industry executives including Chioma Afe of Seplat Energy, Adebola Williams of Promasidor, and Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka will explore the evolving dynamics of leadership and the expanding scope of influence for women in marketing. The session will be moderated by Chizor Malize, Director-General of the Financial Institutions Training Centre. A fireside conversation with Folake Soetan, Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric PLC, moderated by Tosin Adefeko of AT3 Resources, will spotlight digital visibility and the strategic use of online platforms to enhance personal branding and career progression.

Beyond the conference, LeadHers in Marketing is structured as a sustained movement aimed at cultivating ethical and visionary leaders, increasing the visibility of women’s contributions, and driving measurable impact across organisations and communities. The initiative will provide mentorship networks, targeted training programmes, workshops and collaborative platforms tailored to women at different stages of their careers from students and early-career professionals to C-suite executives, agency leaders, academics and women in government marketing roles.

By institutionalising these efforts, NIMN intends to strengthen the pipeline of female marketing leaders and position Nigeria as a hub for inclusive, progressive and globally competitive marketing leadership. As Dr. Bayo-Ajayi concluded, the ultimate goal is to ensure that women not only thrive within marketing functions but also leverage their expertise to attain broader executive roles and shape the future of business and industry.