NIMN Marks Inaugural Nigeria Reputation Day, Calls for Marketers to Champion Integrity

By Azeez Disu

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) formally commemorated the inaugural edition of Nigeria Reputation Day on Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The landmark initiative aims to foster integrity, excellence, and national pride across the country.

In a statement released to mark the day and signed by Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, NIMN President, NIMN called on every Nigerian to reflect on the power of the nation’s collective image and the shared responsibility in shaping it. The Institute, serving as the apex body for marketing professionals in Nigeria, affirmed that reputation is not merely a reflection of perception but a “strategic asset that influences investment, diplomacy, and the everyday experiences of Nigerians at home and abroad”.

The theme for this year’s celebration, “Better Reputation, Better Nigeria,” resonates deeply with the Institute’s mission.

Bayo-Ajayi, President of NIMN, stressed the fundamental importance of trust in the nation’s image. “Reputation is the currency of trust, in business, in governance, and in society,” the statement highlighted.

Emphasising that reputation takes time to build, Dr. Bayo-Ajayi noted its fragile nature: “Reputation is not built in a day, but it can be transformed in a moment by the choices we make, the stories we tell, and the standards we uphold.”

The NIMN President strongly urged professionals within the sector to step up as role models for ethical conduct, stating: “I call on all marketers, brand custodians, and communicators to become ambassadors of integrity.” These professionals were called upon to champion transparency in their campaigns, authenticity in their messaging, and responsibility in their engagements.

The statement further clarified NIMN’s view on the scope of marketing, moving beyond commercial sales to national character building: “Marketing is not just about selling products; it is about the values that we uphold, it is in building relationships, inspiring confidence, and creating narratives that reflect the true essence of our people and our potential.”

To elevate the Nigerian brand, NIMN called for telling stories that honour Nigeria’s diversity, resilience, and innovation, both locally and globally. The Institute further encouraged all Nigerians to take personal responsibility for the country’s image through their everyday actions, business practices, and public discourse.

As a member of the advisory body of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), NIMN identified five collective pillars crucial for building and sustaining Nigeria’s reputation: consistency, transparency, responsibility, respect, and excellence.

The Institute concluded by pledging to continue leading the charge in professional development, ethical marketing practice, and national advocacy.

“Together, we can shape a reputation that reflects the greatness within us. Happy Nigeria Reputation Day! Let us market a better Nigeria, one reputation at a time,” Bayo-Ajayi stated.