The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) hosted a historic Investiture and Fellowship Induction ceremony today in Lagos, marking a watershed moment with the installation of its first female President, Dr. BolaJoko Bayo-Ajayi, and the formal induction of distinguished marketing professionals as Fellows of the Institute.
The event, held under the theme: “Leadership, Trust, and Brand Sustainability,” brought together leading figures in marketing, government, and the corporate world for a night of intellectual engagement and celebration.
The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from the Registrar of NIMN, Mrs. Thelma Okoh, who described the event as a day to not only celebrate the investiture of a new president but, crucially, to curate the Institute’s first female leader. She lauded the inductees, stating, “Each individual that is going to be inducted today has demonstrated excellence and professionalism in marketing.”
Mrs. Okoh also expressed immense privilege in hosting the Keynote Speaker, a renowned business leader, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika’s keynote address resonated deeply with the theme, stressing the foundational role of trust in successful branding. Her message was clear and impactful: for people to trust a product or brand, they must first trust the people behind it.
She highlighted that a lack of trust, even between government and citizens, can lead to confusion and resistance, citing the example of tax reformation. “The day we lose credibility, the value of the brand goes down,” she asserted.
Mrs. Awosika defined trust as a function of human relationship and interaction, earned through performance and, critically, by demonstrating the integrity to own up to responsibility when things inevitably go wrong.
She concluded her powerful address by challenging all marketers: “It’s your name that will see you through in time of trouble.”
The high point of the evening was the investiture of Dr. BolaJoko Bayo-Ajayi. In her acceptance speech, the new President returned all glory to God, acknowledging that the role was not initially her plan, but one ordained by a higher architect.
Dr. Bayo-Ajayi, standing with the “weight of responsibility,” affirmed that leadership is not just a title but a call to service with the essence being to elevate others.
She declared the moment a defining one for herself and NIMN, urging all members: “The train is moving, and no one should be left behind.” She committed to upholding high ethics and standards in marketing during her tenure.
Goodwill messages poured in for the new President. The Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, congratulated Dr. Bayo-Ajayi, noting that she had already “hit the ground running.”
He announced ARCON’s commitment to reviewing the signing of an MOU with NIMN to build capacity and ensure competent practitioners in the industry.
Dr. Ike Neliaku , National President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), celebrated the Investiture, noting that the new President had paid her dues and had the competence to lead, regardless of gender.
Similarly, the President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Tolulope Madembem, assured the Institute of EXMAN’s open door to collaboration, affirming that the President is well-deserving and that her investiture is an affirmation of core marketing values.
The Immediate Past President, Mr. Idorenyen Enang, expressed his honour in decorating a “woman of substance and courage,” thanking the keynote speaker for speaking the truth and expressing deep personal satisfaction in fulfilling one of his dreams: decorating the first female President of NIMN.
The Investiture and Induction ceremony concluded on a high note, setting the stage for a new era of growth, ethical practice, and strengthened collaboration for the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria under the leadership of Dr. BolaJoko Bayo-Ajayi.
