Her journey is not just remarkable; its revolutionary.
In the corridors of industries long ruled by men, few have walked with the kind of quiet defiance and purposeful stride that defines Ms. Pat Sado. With a career forged in the rugged terrain of Nigerian oil and gas sector and crowned by her trailblazing appointment as the first Registrar of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Pat Sado has become a symbol of what’s possible when courage meets competence.
Her story isn’t one of shortcuts or handouts. Its the story of rising through the ranks, often being the only woman at the table, and never settling for less than excellence. Fueled by grit and guided by vision, she has carved her name into industries that weren’t built with women in mind, dismantling barriers and building bridges for those coming behind her.
Today, as a Senior Lecturer at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), she continues to shape the future, not just through the supporting gender inclusive initiatives, but by directly mentoring and molding the next generation of professionals. Her transition from boardroom leadership to the academic space is yet another chapter in a career defined by impact, transformation, and purpose.
In this exclusive interview with The Brand Colossus, Ms. Sado reflects on the milestones and moments that have shaped her journey. From navigating the male-dominated corridors of oil and gas to redefining what leadership looks like in Nigerian marketing ecosystem, she shares the truths behind her rise and the legacy shes determined to leave behind.
As the first female Registrar of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) what does this milestone mean to you, and how does it reflect progress in gender equality within Nigerian marketing profession?
This milestone achievement is both personal and a testament to the effective management of diversity and inclusion at the NIMN. It marks a significant step forward for gender equality in Nigerian marketing profession, demonstrating that women are increasingly recognized for their leadership capabilities in a traditionally male-dominated sector. My appointment should inspire the younger generation, assuring them that competence, dedication, hard work, and innovative strategies can break down barriers, regardless of gender.
My experience as the Secretary at the PTI Branch of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and my close work with many of the Association’s leaders taught me leadership skills and the courage to challenge the status quo.
As a lecturer in the Department of Petroleum Marketing and Business Studies at the Petroleum Training Institute Effurun Delta State, working with intelligent individuals across various management levels has enhanced my leadership competence to envision the future and take action. My commitment to excellence- this philosophy shaped my journey in effectively managing people. Working in a male-dominated environment also developed my resilience and prepared me for leadership roles and responsibilities.
As the first woman to hold this position, what challenges did you face, and how did you navigate them to pave the way for other women in leadership?
Breaking barriers often comes with resistance. At the outset, there were doubts about my ability to lead in a historically male-dominated space, fueled not only by societal expectations that leadership should be reserved for men but also by skepticism coming from the academic . However, with the unwavering support of the President and the Governing Council of NIMN, I was able to rise above these challenges.
Instead of dwelling on barriers, I concentrated on building bridges across divides and delivering tangible results. During my tenure, the Institute expanded its reach, strengthened its professional certification programs, and forged strategic partnerships within the industry, solidifying its relevance and credibility.
I must especially acknowledge the mentorship and support of Mr. Idorenyen Enang, the President and Chairman of council, whom I regard as a genuinely gender-inclusive leader. His commitment to bridging the gender gap within NIMN has been remarkable. His leadership has increased female representation across the Institute committees and within the Governing Council, proving that leadership is not about gender but about competence, vision, and execution.
In my capacity, I have also contributed to creating a more level playing field, ensuring that merit, not gender, determines opportunity.
How does your leadership at NIMN contribute to shaping policies that ensure equal opportunities for women in the marketing sector and Nigerian Oil and Gas industry?
At the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), our commitment to gender equality goes beyond mere conversations; we are driving systemic change through purposeful policies and actionable frameworks. One of our key focus areas is strengthening the leadership pipeline for women. We have implemented a structured system that ensures equal access to executive training and mentorship, fostering a steady and sustainable rise in female leadership across the profession.
We also intentionally develop strategic partnerships with leading institutions and industry stakeholders, including the Lagos Business School (LBS), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and major players in sectors such as Oil and Gas. Together, we collaborate to co-create and implement gender-inclusive marketing strategies that empower women and amplify their contributions to the industry.
Furthermore, advocacy remains a core pillar of our approach. Through tailored trainings and awareness campaigns, NIMN actively promotes reforms to drive career progression and increase womens representation in leadership across various industries.
By embedding these efforts into our policies and institutional frameworks, we are not only advocating for equality but also institutionalizing it, ensuring a lasting impact for generations to come.
As a trailblazer, what strategies do you believe are necessary to increase female representation in leadership roles within the marketing and oil & gas industries?
Sustainable change in female leadership representation requires more than good intentions; it demands structured and strategic action. Encouragingly, signs of progress are already evident in several sectors. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), under the gender-sensitive leadership of Comrade Festus Osifo, has shown commendable female representation(PENGASSAN WOMEN COMMISSION). Similarly, the Women in Energy Association continues to be a beacon for advancing gender inclusion within the industry.
To further accelerate this momentum, the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) is taking deliberate steps to empower more women to assume leadership roles. A key part of this approach lies in building capacity through targeted executive training programs tailored to meet the unique leadership needs of women in both marketing and technical sectors. These initiatives are designed to prepare women not only for the present but also to lead in a rapidly evolving future. Additional, NIMN is fostering inclusive environments where mentorship and career advancement opportunities are equally accessible to women.
We also recognize the importance of visibility and networking. Platforms like our Annual Marketing Conference provide women the opportunity to amplify their voices, share their expertise, and gain industry-wide recognition. These gatherings are instrumental in building strong networks and promoting collaborative progress.
By institutionalizing these strategies, we are not only advocating for gender equality we are creating the infrastructure to sustain it. Women will no longer have to wait for opportunities to lead; they will step into them with the confidence, preparation, and support needed to thrive.
The IWD 2025 theme emphasizes Rights, Equality, and Empowerment. How can the Nigerian oil & gas industry leverage marketing to amplify the role of women in the sector?
Marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for reshaping narratives and driving transformation across industries. In sectors like oil and gas, traditionally viewed as male-dominated, marketing can be strategically employed to shift perceptions, elevate visibility, and foster inclusivity. One effective approach is to spotlight female leadership through compelling digital campaigns that celebrate accomplished women across various roles in the industry. These stories not only recognize success but also create relatable role models who inspire the next generation of female professionals.
Another critical step involves building targeted career awareness initiatives that introduce young women to the vast opportunities available in technical and executive roles. By demystifying the industry and presenting these paths as accessible and achievable, more women will be encouraged to step into them with confidence.
Equally important is the role of media. By forming strategic partnerships with media outlets, we can ensure the contributions of women in oil and gas, particularly in marketing, are consistently highlighted. This visibility plays a crucial role in transforming female leadership from being regarded as a rarity to becoming the accepted norm.
Through NIMN’s Women in Energy Marketing Initiative, we are already driving these efforts, ensuring that women are not just part of the industry but are leading it.
What initiatives has NIMN undertaken to mentor and empower women in marketing, particularly those interested in technical industries such as oil and gas?
At the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), mentorship is a cornerstone of our commitment to empowering women and fostering sustainable leadership development. Recognizing the significance of guidance and support in cultivating confident, capable leaders, we are actively developing platforms that nurture the next generation of female marketing professionals.
In addition, we are fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia, particularly with tertiary institutions offering marketing and related courses. These collaborations aim to equip young women with specialized skills that align with the demands of technical sectors like oil and gas, telecommunications, and energy, where women’s participation is essential but still evolving.
We are also opening doors to high-level engagement through executive networking conferences. These forums provide women access to the decision-making circles where transformative shifts in policy, strategy, and innovation occur, ensuring they have both a seat at the table and a voice that shapes the future.
By establishing these structured pathways to leadership, NIMN is not only preparing women for success; we are strategically positioning them to lead, influence, and transform the marketing profession across sectors.
How do you integrate gender empowerment principles into your curriculum as a lecturer at the Petroleum Training Institute?
Empowerment begins in the classroom, and as an educator, I am committed to preparing young girls and women for leadership from the ground up. Through my teaching approach, I foster an environment where confidence and capability flourish. I assign leadership responsibilities during group projects, enabling students to develop real-time decision-making skills. I also integrate case studies highlighting accomplished women in the oil and gas industry and marketing, providing inspiration and practical insights that expand their perspective on what’s possible.
Bridging the gap between education and industry is equally important, which is why I actively facilitate mentorship connections between my students and experienced female professionals. These interactions provide students with valuable exposure and real-world guidance, helping them see a clear path to success in technical and corporate environments.
By embedding gender empowerment into the educational experience, we are not only equipping young women with skills; we are shaping them into the confident, capable leaders of tomorrow.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in marketing and the oil & gas industry?
Leadership is not simply handed to you; you must work for it. For every woman striving to lead, especially in spaces where we are underrepresented, the message is clear: develop your leadership competencies, continue upskilling and expanding your abilities, be bold, be prepared, and be relentless.
To be bold means stepping into areas where women are often overlooked and carving out your space, challenging the norms, and asserting your presence. Being prepared means equipping yourself with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks that elevate you beyond expectations. Its about being ready when the opportunity presents itself.
Even with boldness and preparation, challenges will arise. This is where being relentless comes into play. Perseverance, excellence, and a clear vision will always set you apart. No matter the obstacles, continue to push forward.
Leadership involves demonstrating your worth, amplifying your voice, and rejecting mediocrity. Its about ensuring that the seat at the table is one you’ve earned and truly deserve.
What steps should corporate organizations and academic institutions take to foster more inclusive opportunities for women in male-dominated industries?
Corporate organizations and academic institutions both play critical roles in achieving gender equality. Corporate entities must adopt structured policies that promote gender balance, particularly in hiring, leadership promotions, and salary frameworks. These actions ensure that women are not merely included but are provided with equal opportunities to thrive and lead.
Meanwhile, academic institutions must take proactive steps by offering scholarships, career guidance, and creating inclusive learning environments that encourage female participation, particularly in traditionally male-dominated fields such as STEM and technical areas. These initiatives equip women with the knowledge and skills they need to excel.
At NIMN, we are already driving this change by partnering with institutions to integrate gender-inclusive curricula and mentorship programs. These efforts bridge the gap between education and leadership, helping to create a pipeline of female leaders ready to make a significant impact in their fields.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave as NIMNs first female Registrar?
I aspire to leave a legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and empowerment. My vision is to be remembered not just as someone who broke barriers but as someone who created pathways for others to follow.
My aim is to support enduring policies and programs that provide women in marketing with the tools and resources necessary to thrive. Ultimately, I want to inspire the next generation to pursue excellence, have unwavering belief in themselves, and lead with integrity and a meaningful impact.
