By Emmanuel Okogba

A Lagos-based strategic marketing and communications firm, Aim One Company, has commenced the second edition of its flagship Marketing Mentorship Programme (MMP 2.0), aimed at grooming the next generation of marketing leaders across Africa.

The 2026 edition attracted over 300 expressions of interest. Following a rigorous screening process, 80 qualified applications were received from six African countries, with 30 high-potential professionals eventually selected to participate. The mentees will be guided by 26 senior industry professionals.

According to the organisers, the eight-week programme is designed to strengthen strategic thinking, leadership capacity and business acumen among emerging marketing professionals. It combines structured mentorship, applied learning, executive sessions and real-world brand engagement.

Founder of Aim One Company, Aizehi Itua, said the initiative was created to bridge the gap between technical marketing skills and executive-level business leadership.

“Marketing today blends growth, culture, innovation and trust. Yet many professionals are still trained to focus on outputs rather than outcomes. The programme is designed to shift that mindset — from executing campaigns to influencing business decisions and becoming trusted business leaders,” Itua said.

The programme received formal endorsement from the Association of Digital Marketing Professionals in Nigeria (ADMARP). Speaking at the orientation ceremony, ADMARP President Elizabeth Ogunseye commended the initiative for promoting professional excellence and sustainable industry development.

“The Marketing Mentorship Programme represents the kind of intentional capacity building our industry requires. ADMARP is pleased to support initiatives that equip marketers with the leadership mindset and responsibility needed to advance the profession,” she said.

A major component of MMP 2.0 is the Capstone Brand Challenge, powered by Imperio Cosmetics Limited. Under the challenge, participants will work in teams to develop strategic marketing solutions based on a live business brief provided by the company. 

The projects will be presented at a physical Demo Day scheduled for April 25, 2026.

The programme will also feature thought-leadership sessions by leading industry figures, including Eyitayo Omoyele, Chief Executive Officer of United Republic; Franklin Ozekhome, Executive Vice President of Chain Reactions Africa; and Lampe Omoyele, Managing Director of Nitro 121.

MMP 2.0 is supported by key industry bodies, including the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), ADMARP and The Comms Avenue, reflecting what organisers described as a collective commitment to developing future-ready marketing professionals.

The programme will run through April 2026, culminating in a Demo Day where participants will present their capstone solutions to industry stakeholders.