Breaking Barriers: WOHAN Champions Women’s Rise in Marcoms, Demands Greater Inclusion
In a powerful display of solidarity and progress, the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Nigeria (WOHAN) spotlighted the growing influence of women in Nigeria’s marketing communications industry, calling for more intentional inclusion in a sector long dominated by men.
During its International Women’s Day celebration, the association brought together industry leaders and professionals to honor the resilience, creativity, and determination of women who continue to rise through the ranks and reshape the narrative in out-of-home advertising.
Hosted at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, the event adopted the theme “Give to Gain, Empower Her, Elevate Her”, a bold call to action encouraging mentorship, collaboration, and sustained investment in female leadership across the marketing communications ecosystem.
WOHAN Chairperson, Adeola Odesanya, captured the essence of the movement in a stirring address highlighting the collective journey of women in the sector. She stressed that WOHAN was built on a shared vision of progress, not individual success, reaffirming the association’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices.
“Each billboard we design, each flex we fly, each campaign we execute and each space we occupy is a testament to our strength, our vision and our determination to be seen and be heard,” she said.
Odesanya also struck a reflective tone, addressing the challenges that continue to confront women in the industry. While acknowledging the progress made, she emphasized that significant work remains to achieve true equity and representation.
“We must also acknowledge that there are still ceilings to break, voices to amplify and opportunities to create for the next generation of women who will follow in our footsteps. That is why associations like WOHAN are so important. They provide a platform for connection, mentorship and empowerment.”
She concluded with a message of affirmation and unity, urging women to continue building each other up and sustaining momentum beyond symbolic moments.
“Your presence matters. Your contributions are valued. Your potential is limitless. Let us continue to support one another, lift one another and champion one another, not just today, but every day.”
A defining moment of the event was the keynote address delivered by Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, who challenged the audience to rethink the narrative around women’s advancement in the industry.
Rather than a rising trend, Medebem framed the growing visibility of women as a necessary shift, correcting years of under-recognition despite longstanding contributions.
“The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction. Women have always been part of the story of this industry. We have built brands, shaped consumer engagement and driven execution. What is changing now is not capability. It is visibility, voice and influence.”
She highlighted two powerful shifts redefining the industry: first, the increasing dominance of competence over bias, as women continue to prove their value through measurable results.
“Women are not just participating. We are delivering measurable impact.”
Second, the steady movement of women from operational roles into positions of influence where strategy is shaped and key decisions are made.
Medebem also encouraged women to confront self-imposed limits, urging them to act boldly even amidst uncertainty rather than waiting for perfect readiness.
“Too often, women decline opportunities because we think we are not ready yet. But if we keep waiting to be ready, we may keep waiting forever. Sometimes we must step forward, shaky, yes; afraid, yes—but we must step forward.”
She closed by emphasizing collaboration as the catalyst for lasting change, invoking an African proverb:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Leaving the audience with a reflective challenge, she added:
“What role will I play in lifting another woman this year? Ultimately, the strength of our industry will not just be defined by how far we rise individually, but by how intentionally we lift others along the way. When women rise, and rise together, industries do not just change—they evolve.”
Also speaking at the event, former President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and CEO of Ladybird Advertising, Bunmi Oke, challenged long-standing misconceptions and stereotypes about women, urging them to break free from limiting societal narratives.
“Do not conform,” she advised, encouraging women to define their own paths rather than be constrained by outdated expectations.
The WOHAN International Women’s Day celebration also featured endorsements from key industry leaders recognizing the association’s rapid growth and impact.
Emmanuel Ajufo, former President of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), commended WOHAN’s achievements since its founding. He recalled that by late 2022, the need for a dedicated platform addressing women’s unique challenges and aspirations had become clear.
“In just three years, you have established a solid and functional structure, invested in capacity building for women, and extended your impact through meaningful CSR initiatives. These are commendable achievements, and I am immensely proud of all you have accomplished.”
Shola Akinsiku, President of OAAN, reflected on the evolution of an industry significantly shaped by women’s leadership, noting that the challenges women faced have become a driving force behind the sector’s strength and momentum, celebrating over five decades of progress.
The event also featured a high-level panel discussion anchored by Seyi Layade, Chairperson of Women in Advertising, with senior female leaders including Brenda Nwagwu (VP, MIPAN), Tope Runsewe (CEO, Huperniq Media), and Abimbola Ijanniyi (Business Head, JCDecaux). The panel explored practical pathways to advancing women’s leadership across Out-of-Home advertising and the broader marketing communications sector.
In a formal ceremony, WOHAN swore in its new executive team: Adeola Odesanya as Chairperson; Opeyemi Anipole as Assistant Chairperson; Omoyele Oguntunde as Publicity and Media Officer; Chika Arinze as Treasurer; Nkiru Ike as Finance Secretary; Nnaji Judith as Assistant Secretary; Sophie Arasindu as Welfare Officer; and Onyinye Igbo as Secretary.
The celebrations also included a special awards presentation honoring individuals who made outstanding contributions to advancing women in the industry. Emmanuel Ajufo received the Founders Award for his role in creating the platform that led to WOHAN’s establishment, Shola Akinsiku was presented with the Patron Award for his ongoing advocacy, and Bunmi Oke received the Matron Award for her decades of leadership and mentorship of the next generation of female advertising professionals.
Beyond celebration, the gathering offered a moment of reflection on structural gaps that still exist, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to create more opportunities for women to lead, influence decisions, and drive innovation within the industry.
Combining celebration, reflection, and forward-looking strategy, the event reaffirmed WOHAN’s position as a transformative force in Nigeria’s Out-of-Home advertising sector.
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