WOHAN: Pioneering Progress in women OOH advertising
By Felicia Nwosu
Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering inclusivity, professional advancement, and leadership opportunities for women in Nigeria’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the out-of -home women association convened a remarkable gathering
in Lagos, where female professionals came together to deepen connections, inspire action, and challenge long-standing industry stereotypes.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with ambition, determination, and an unshakable resolve to reshape the landscape of OOH advertising.
From the moment attendees stepped into the exquisite venue, their presence exuded elegance and confidence, reinforcing the essence of WOHAN’s mission, which is to create a supportive environment where women can thrive, lead, and redefine industry standards.
The evening was not merely a celebration but a call to action, urging women to take their rightful place in leadership, seek elective positions within the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and actively participate in committees that shape the sector’s future.
A defining moment of the event was the keynote address by Mrs. Fadekemi Alonge, a distinguished OOH practitioner and a Board of Trustee member of OAAN. With her signature eloquence and captivating presence, she delivered a stirring speech that left the audience deeply moved.
She emphasized the necessity for women to recognize their worth, uphold integrity, and embrace diligence as a pathway to professional excellence.
“Know your value and be women of integrity,” she urged, underscoring the principles of responsibility, hard work, and transparency as essential for sustained success.
She encouraged the women to remain receptive to new ideas, adopt forward-thinking strategies, and uphold ethical standards in their professional dealings.
Throughout the evening, attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions, dissecting the unique challenges faced by women in the OOH industry.
Many recounted the barriers they had overcome and the critical role that mentorship and community support played in their journeys.
The conversations spanned professional growth strategies, leadership development, and the significance of alliances with other women’s organizations to unlock broader economic opportunities.
Despite being a women-led initiative, the event welcomed the presence of supportive male allies, reinforcing the notion that gender inclusivity is not about competition but collaboration.
The highlight of the night came when Adeola Odesanya, the Coordinator of WOHAN, took center stage with a heartfelt and impassioned address. In her stirring speech, she emphasized that the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, “Accelerate Action,” was not just a slogan but a rallying cry for immediate and decisive steps toward change.
She called on women to be deliberate and consistent in their pursuit of industry leadership, stressing that WOHAN was poised to take bolder initiatives to drive impact.
With a vision rooted in empowerment, WOHAN is on a mission to equip women in OOH advertising with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities necessary to thrive.
The network is dedicated to breaking barriers, fostering equality, and ensuring that female professionals are not just participants but leading voices in the industry’s evolution.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of an ambitious initiative set to launch in 2025, which is an outreach program targeting young women in schools, introducing them to the world of OOH advertising.
According to the coordinator, this strategic move aims to inspire and groom the next generation of female professionals, ensuring a future where women play a dominant role in shaping the industry.
She explained further that through career talks, mentorship programs, and hands-on experiences, WOHAN seeks to bridge the gap and create a pipeline of young talents ready to take on the sector.
The veteran OOH professional said as WOHAN approaches its second anniversary, the network is setting structures in place to institutionalize its efforts and ensure long-term sustainability.
One key focus is the establishment of a fully functional secretariat to drive its operations effectively.
To this end, members were called upon to make annual financial contributions, a crucial step toward maintaining a well-equipped administrative hub that would facilitate mentorship, training, and advocacy initiatives.
The night was not just about speeches and commitments, but a celebration of resilience, ambition, and the collective power of women.
Laughter and an unbreakable sense of purpose filled the air as guests dined, networked, and reinforced their shared commitment to accelerating action. The event left an indelible mark, not just as an evening of inspiration but as a turning point for women in OOH advertising in Nigeria.
Odesanya left attendees with a powerful charge: “Let us take tonight’s conversations beyond this room and turn them into action. Let us support each other, mentor the younger generation, and dismantle every barrier that stands in our way. Together, we will not only accelerate action but redefine the future of Out-of-Home Advertising in Nigeria.”
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