Women in Advertising (WIA), an initiative of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), has taken a proactive stance on health advocacy by successfully launching the โWalk for Herโ Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Lagos. Held in observance of World Cancer Day, the event united the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) industry in a collective effort to fight breast cancer.
Organized by WIA in partnership with sectoral groups including the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), the Media Independents Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN), the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the walk showcased the industryโs commitment to leveraging creativity and communication for public health advocacy.
Participants embarked on a three-hour walk covering key areas such as Ikeja GRA, Opebi, Oregun, and Agidingbi, culminating at the AAAN Secretariat in Alausa. The route, passing through vital parts of Ikeja, served as a powerful reminder that the fight against breast cancer must be active, inclusive, and ongoing.
Beyond symbolic visibility, the event provided tangible benefits, offering free breast cancer screenings to 200 participants, hosting expert-led discussions on early detection and care, and facilitating interactive sessions on preventive practices. The initiative seamlessly combined advocacy with community service, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early intervention.
Oluwaseyi Layade, Chairperson of Women in Advertising, described the initiative as personal and purpose-driven. She highlighted that breast cancer impacts many women and stressed that early detection saves lives. Layade emphasized that the walk was more than a ceremonial gesture; it was a strategic movement to empower women, normalize breast cancer conversations, and inspire community action. She expressed gratitude for sector-wide support and reaffirmed WIAโs commitment to sustaining these efforts through partnerships, survivor stories, and outreach programs.
In his remarks, Lanre Adisa, President of AAAN and Chair of the Heads of Advertising Sectoral Groups (HASG), recognized the significance of the initiative. He praised the WIA leadership for organizing the walk and urged the industry to embrace its role in fostering healthier communities. To ensure the initiativeโs longevity, he recommended establishing a working committee tasked with developing a long-term strategy for collaboration, client engagement, and public education.
Other industry leaders joined the call for a healthier Nigeria, including Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN; Adeola Odesanya, President of WOHAN and OAAN Executive Council Member; Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of MIPAN; Onome Odili, Chair of NIMN Ikeja; Roseline Abaraonye, Assistant Secretary of NIMN Ikeja; and Eunice Braimah, Vice Chairman of Women in Advertising. Together, they pledged to partner with NGOs, health organizations, and stakeholders to sustain and amplify the fight against breast cancer.
The โWalk for Herโ initiative has set a new standard for industry collaborationโmerging creativity, communication, and compassion toward a common goal. More than a one-day event, it marks the beginning of a sustained movement. Future activities include webinars, survivor storytelling sessions, NGO partnerships, and digital outreach to keep the message alive.
As participants marched under the pink banner of hope through Lagos, one message rang clear: the IMC industry is committed not only to building brands but also to building a healthier future for all.
