By Ngozi Onyeakusi—The organisers of the Industry Summit, The Industry Newspaper Limited has announced the 2024 theme titled ‘Sustainable Marketing for Growth.”

The theme, according to the organisers, is informed by the continuous debate following the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations members in 2015, which created 17 world Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the active participation of private sector players in Nigeria.

The summit, which is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at the Marcelina’s Place Ikeja GRA, Lagos would feature a keynote speaker, two guest speakers and some exhilarating panel sessions featuring some contemporary professionals in the Nigerian brand and marketing industry.

To deliver the keynote paper is the marketing director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Oriakhi while head of unit, sustainability at Access Bank, Mrs. Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan and manager, brand, strategy & communications at Stanbic IBTC, Ms. Rita Akao will feature as guest speakers.

The panel sessions would feature Ms. Chioma Mbanugo, Head of Marketing PZ WILMAR, Mr. Abiodun Coker, Team Member Media, UBA, Mrs. Mabel Adeteye, Head, Brand & Marketing Communications, Wema Bank PLC, Mr. Kevin Olumese, Marketing Communications Specialist, and Mr. Adeola Kayode, Head, Brands & Creative Services, 9mobile Nigeria.

Others who have confirmed participation are Ms. Aisha Anaekwe, Head, Brands & Comms, Coronation Group, Mrs.  Victoria N’dee Uwadoka, Public Relations, Public Affairs & Sustainability Lead, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Mr. Samson Adeoye, Public Relations Manager, Airtel Nigeria, Mrs. Oluwatosin Odiagbe, Marketing Manager, Simba Solar and Ms. Arinola Shobande, Head of Marketing, Showmax.

According to the Goddie Ofose, Convener, The Industry Summit, “This year summit is focusing on sustainable marketing, which is a purpose-driven practice that works to orientate businesses, brands and society towards a sustainable future, influencing appropriate awareness, aspiration, adoption and action across economic and sociocultural systems by taking necessary accountability for its impacts and opportunities.”

The summit is a two-pronged event that is a summit and awards (The Industry Awards 5.0).

He said, “In today’s ever-evolving world, debating whether to incorporate sustainability into your business strategy is no longer an option. Considering a values-driven approach when developing business strategies can be vital to long-term success.”

Accordingly, a growing number of organizations are integrating sustainability into their business strategy—realizing they can do well by doing good. In a recent McKinsey survey, 70 percent of respondents said their companies have a formal governance of sustainability in place. But what exactly does it mean to be “sustainable” in business,’ he asked.

Therefore, we have carefully selected these professionals and experts to deliberate on the subject matter, highlight challenges and proffer solutions where private and public sectors could take lessons from and improve upon whatever they have been doing,’ Ofose added.

The Industry Summit/Awards is a brainchild of The Industry Newspaper Limited, publishers of The Industry Newspaper (theindustry.ng) and 789marketing.ng.

The summit is designed to bring together industry leaders across the continent in all sectors in the quest to rev up conversations that will move the Nigeria business, economy and communication industry forward.