The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has formally installed Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi as its President, making history as the first woman to lead the Institute. The investiture ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, marked the beginning of a new leadership chapter focused on trust, ethical conduct and professional responsibility within Nigeria’s marketing profession.

Dr. Bayo-Ajayi’s investiture followed her election in June and attracted senior marketing professionals, corporate executives and industry stakeholders from across the country. In her inaugural address, she struck a reflective and forward-looking tone, underscoring the weight of leadership at a time when the profession faces growing expectations around accountability, relevance and ethical standards.

She revealed that her journey to the presidency was not one she initially sought, explaining that she was hesitant when her candidacy was first proposed. According to her, repeated encouragement from colleagues eventually reframed the role as a call to service rather than personal ambition.

Describing the presidency as both a privilege and a responsibility, Dr. Bayo-Ajayi noted that leadership extends beyond titles and positions to the duty of strengthening institutions and elevating others. She expressed gratitude to members of the Institute and the Governing Council for their support, noting that preparatory work for her tenure had already commenced prior to the investiture.

She paid tribute to past leaders of the Institute, acknowledging former President Dr. Idorenyen Enang, who inducted her as a Fellow and encouraged her to take on greater responsibility, as well as the immediate past President, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen, whom she credited with laying a solid foundation for NIMN’s continued growth.

Calling the presidency a form of public service, Dr. Bayo-Ajayi challenged members to move from passive membership to active participation. While noting the Institute’s large membership base, she observed that only a small proportion consistently engage in initiatives and governance. She warned that progress would continue regardless, urging members to get involved or risk being left behind.

Looking ahead, she said NIMN must amplify its voice and relevance within Nigeria’s marketing and business ecosystem. Collaboration, she stressed, would be a central strategic priority, adding that despite different sectors and specialisations, marketers share a common professional platform capable of driving collective advancement through ethical excellence and shared purpose.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the induction of 23 senior marketing professionals as Fellows of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. NIMN Registrar, Mrs. Thelma Okoh, confirmed that the inductees had met all professional and ethical requirements for the fellowship cadre, describing the honour as recognition of sustained contribution and commitment to best practice.

Renowned business leader Mrs. Ibukun Awosika was also conferred with an honorary fellowship of the Institute. Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Leadership, Trust, and Brand Sustainability,” Awosika emphasised integrity as the ultimate defence for brands and leaders. She noted that trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild, stressing that reputation is costly to earn but easy to destroy.

Awosika argued that trust is built through consistent performance, character and transparency, especially in moments of failure. According to her, the true test of leadership is not the absence of mistakes, but the courage to take responsibility, correct errors and act with integrity. She also highlighted the close link between personal brand and corporate brand, maintaining that organisations ultimately reflect the values and conduct of those who lead them.

The investiture ceremony signalled a renewed commitment by NIMN to ethical leadership, collaboration and professional relevance, as the Institute positions itself to play a stronger role in shaping the future of marketing practice in Nigeria.