Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi Makes History, Installed as NIMN’s First Female President
Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, a prominent marketing and brand communication expert, has been formally installed as the first female President and Chairman of the Council for the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
The installation ceremony, held on Monday, drew captains of industry and top government officials, with discussions centered on “Leadership, Trust, and Brand Sustainability.”
Industry stakeholders widely lauded the historic appointment. Tolu Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), stressed that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s appointment was based on capability, not quota.
“The marketing profession has done something good to elect Bolajoko, whom he described as competent and capable,” added Ike Neliagu, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Trust is Non-Negotiable, Says Awosika
Delivering the keynote address, corporate board professional Ibukun Awosika emphasized trust as the bedrock of business survival.
“For consumers to trust your product, they must trust you,” Awosika told the audience, identifying the manager as the primary brand ambassador. “We are the number one brand for the company we represent.”
She warned against the ease with which trust can be destroyed, noting that brand sustainability hinges on it. Awosika also challenged organizations to build integrity by being transparent and offering public apologies when errors occur, stating: “Integrity and character are the biggest assets of business.”
ARCON, ICSAN Pledge Collaboration
The event also served as a platform for strengthening inter-professional ties.
Lekan Fadolapo, Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), congratulated the new NIMN President and announced that ARCON is reviewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIMN to enhance capacity building and talent development across the industry.
Similarly, Uto Ukpanah, President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), expressed her institute’s interest in collaborating with NIMN on mutual areas for economic development.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi thanked the industry for its confidence, stating that her new role “is beyond title… but a call to duty and to inspire others.”
