Convened by The Industry Newspaper, the conference, themed ‘Voice & Visibility: Amplified – Women, Storytelling and the Power to Define the Narrative,’ will bring together leading women across marketing, communications, media, business and public leadership to explore how women can leverage storytelling to strengthen their influence and shape public perception.
In a statement announcing the conference, the organisers noted that this year’s edition would examine storytelling as a leadership tool, visibility as a career asset and the responsibility of women in shaping narratives for brands, institutions and society.
Leading conversations at the conference are Chief Commercial Officer, MHI Business Consult, Maureen Humphrey-Izzi; Media Manager, Nigeria, FrieslandCampina, Abisoye Oruye; immediate past Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, Victoria Uwadoka; Executive Secretary, Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA), Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade; and Founder, Sculpt Design and Nné Living, Cindy Ogene.
The panel session will be moderated by Senior Marketing Manager, Simba Group, Oluwatosin Odiagbe.
Beyond the conversations, the conference will recognise outstanding professionals and emerging industry leaders across three categories – The Industry Top 50 Changemakers, Industry Amazon Awards and NEXTGEN in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).
The Top 50 Changemakers category recognises women whose contributions have demonstrated innovation, exemplary leadership and measurable industry impact.
Among the honourees are Chioma Igwe, FrieslandCampina; Nana Utomi Biyang, MPX; Victoria Adewunmi, Watermark & Victoria; Omoefe Ohworakpo, FMN Plc; Adefemi Akinsanya, ARISE News; Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, HBM Nigeria; Esther Akinnukwe, MTN Nigeria; and Abisoye Oruye, FrieslandCampina. Forty-two other honourees will be unveiled at the conference.
The Industry Amazon Awards, which celebrate women whose distinguished careers have advanced professional excellence, mentorship and enduring legacies, will honour Founder, NECCI Roundtable, Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun; veteran broadcast journalist, author and executive coach, Bimbo Oloyede; and Marketing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Maureen Ifada.
In a move to promote intergenerational leadership and talent development, the organisers have also introduced the NEXTGEN in IMC award, designed to recognise emerging professionals shaping the future of integrated marketing communications. The inaugural class comprises four women and one man, whose identities will be unveiled at the event.
Speaking on the selection process, Editor-in-Chief of The Industry Newspaper and convener of the conference, Goddie Ofose, said the choice of panellists and honourees was deliberate and merit-driven, reflecting their professional accomplishments, influence within their respective industries and commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
Ofose noted that beyond celebrating women’s achievements, the conference seeks to amplify their voices, document their stories and ensure that their contributions to industry development are recognised and preserved for posterity.
The annual conference provides a platform for female executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging talents across marketing, media, communications and allied industries to engage in conversations that advance women’s visibility, professional growth and leadership.
