… Unveils Logo
History was made on Tuesday, 25th July, 2023 as the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria, (OAAN) gave birth to the women arm of the organisation named; Women in Out of Home Advertising in Nigeria, (WOHAN).
The event held at the Sheba Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, had in attendance women from different organisations of the Out of Home Advertising industry with other members from OAAN and the advertising industry in attendance too.
Welcoming Guests to the event, the Coordinator of WOHAN, Mrs. Adeola Odesanya said the event is to launch members into an epoch where women would take their rightful positions in the Out-of-Home Advertising sector.
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“This new defining time for women leadership to be key drivers in the Out-Of-Home industry would, in no time, ensure peace, security and pave the way to an equitable landscape.
“Therefore, as we march forward on this course, I challenge us to always learn, unlearn and relearn in order to acquaint ourselves with different initiatives that would form part of our planned activities; seminars, workshops, and special events where we would all be able to join in and get hands- on experiences.
“This will help facilitate sustainable growth and assist us in achieving our mission,” she added.
She explained further: “It is highly commendable that this monumental gathering has brought together an impressive lineup of champions of gender equality who are ready to pioneer and make path- breaking records on the stable of women in Out-of-Home Advertising.
As we pick up the gauntlet, let this quote that; “Women are the secret sauce behind every success” continues to resonate.
It is no exaggeration that women have all it takes to thrive, lead, and shape the direction of Out-of-Home advertising in Nigeria.
We would continue on this mandate until all barriers and gender biases are broken and women excel in every aspect of the industry.
“As we demonstrate this quest for gender balance, we intend to seek affiliations with other women groups and encourage more women to seek elective offices in OAAN. This will empower women in Out-of-Home advertising and consequently promote the well-being of our sector,” she said.
She expressed her appreciation to the President of OAAN, Chief Emmanuel Ajufo who envisioned the Women arm of OAAN, which birthed “Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Forum.
In his good will message, Chief Ajufo assured the association of OAAN support as they launch out in the new quest.
He added that every great thing begins with a small good idea.
“This is then nurtured into something great. I have no doubt, therefore, that this Sub-Group of our dear Association will grow to be a source of pride in our industry.
“In all the positions where women have been in charge, I can state with all sense of duty that they have discharged themselves very creditably.”
Chief Ajufo explained further that despite the great strides of some of the ladies, the industry is yawning for a lot more.
“While hoping that we will soon witness the emergence of the first female president of our dear Association, women should strive to explore into other areas of our business.
“Today, most women are doing well in the marketing department of the companies they work in. We want to see more women in the operations department and other areas of our industry.
I am a strong believer that women are better managers, and it is therefore safe to say that OAAN will be better organized if WOHAN is strong. We should all then support this special group to develop to their full potential,” he added.
The keynote speaker, CEO and Lead Consultant Ladybird Advertising Limited, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, stated that the representation and empowerment of women in OOH media are crucial to achieving a progressive and diverse industry.
Mrs Oke, the past President of the Association of Advertising Agencies, (AAAN), who spoke on the topic “Women in OOH Media: Issues, Challenges and Prospects” said by addressing the challenges faced by women in this sector and embracing the prospects for change, the OOH media industry can move towards greater gender equality, unlocking the full potential of its female professionals, and driving innovation and creativity in advertising.
She emphasized the need for gender equality in the advertising field and highlighted the untapped potential of women professionals in driving innovation and creativity.
Listing the challenges faced by women to include time management; no work life balance; isolation; trouble communicating and lack of motivation among others, Mrs Oke encouraged members of the association to improve their skills, learn more of digital marketing; always think out of the box and always come together to make things done.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo who was represented by a member of the Council, Mrs. Susan Agbo said the birth of WOHAN was a step in the right direction.
He assured the association of ARCON support at all times because advertising eco-system cannot do without women and coming together like this will help boost the industry.
He expressed ARCON commitment to creating a more conducive environment for them to excel in their endeavours.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the WOHAN logo by the Secretary, OAAN Board of Trustees, Mr. Charles Chijide who described the epoch making event as the best to happen to the Out of Home advertising industry.
“As you can see, the new body being inaugurated today is set to be operating in our space as well. This is a very good development. Let me quickly add that members have been in the Nigerian out-of-home industry before now.
From WOHAN’s vision as has been clearly stated, the new body has envisioned to “empower women in WOHAN by creating an inclusive environment that recognizes and amplifies their talent expertise leading to a more diverse and equitable industry”.
He added: “However, as an elder statesman in the industry, I will say this new initiative is a good idea whose time is long over-due. This is particularly so, coming against the background of UN charter on Affirmative ACTION.
He advised members of WOHAN to see itself as a group under the general umbrella of the main body, Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN).
“We should work together as partners and not as a pressure group. Working as a pressure group within the general body will surely be counter-productive.
“As you are inaugurated today, I urge you to let us work collectively together in unison by lifting up the banner of true professionalism and excellence with respect to ethics of our profession and strict compliance to rules and regulations governing the out-of-home advertising practice in the country,” he said.
The logo was a blend of vibrant colours of Yellow, Blue, White, Pink and a diagram symbolising the slogan of the association, ‘Stronger Together.’
In the coming years, WOHAN vision is to empower women in Out of Home Advertising by creating an inclusive environment that recognizes and amplifies their talents, expertise leading to a more diverse and equitable industry.
It also aimed to champion women in Out of Home Advertising by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promote their professional growth. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we strive to break barriers, foster equality, and ensure equal opportunities for women to excel in the industry.
The objectives of the group is to empower women in Out- -of-Home Advertising by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that recognizes and amplifies their talents, expertise, and contributions, among others.
BV.
