Despite running profitable companies and driving significant economic impact, many Nigerian CEOs, senior executives, and entrepreneurs remain largely invisible in public and industry conversations — a gap experts say limits influence, credibility, and long-term relevance.
Speaking in an interview, Kehinde Ajose, founder of Visibility Solutions Media (VSM), said the problem is not a lack of achievement but a widespread misunderstanding of visibility among top executives.
“Many Nigerian CEOs confuse silence with sophistication,” Ajose said. “They believe low visibility signals power, wealth, or seriousness. In reality, silence creates a vacuum, and in Nigeria, that vacuum is quickly filled with speculation, misinformation, and proxy narratives. When leaders avoid media until there is a crisis, they surrender narrative control. In a high-context environment like Nigeria, absence is interpreted, not ignored.”
Ajose highlighted that executives often appear only through press releases, award citations, or company statements, rarely as thinking leaders. “This creates distance and weakens trust. Stakeholders want to hear how the leader thinks, not just what the company achieved. When visibility is reduced to announcements, the CEO becomes a logo, not a leader, and authority becomes fragile.”
Fear of backlash or misinterpretation also keeps some leaders silent. “Out of fear of controversy, some play it too safe. They avoid taking clear positions or addressing nuanced topics. However, Nigeria’s business environment rewards clarity and conviction. Neutrality often reads as indecision, not wisdom.”
While many executives remain cautious, some Nigerian leaders show the power of deliberate visibility. For example, Femi Otedola blends updates on business milestones with family and lifestyle content on social media, projecting professional success and relatability.
Tony Elumelu shares insights on entrepreneurship and leadership to reinforce his status as a thought leader. Ibukun Awosika leverages public speaking and thought leadership to connect deeply with professional audiences, particularly women in business.
Obi Cubana extends his reach through digital platforms, including YouTube, blending business, lifestyle, and cultural content to engage a broader audience.
It is within this context that Visibility Solutions Media developed the Audacious Visibility Programme, described by Ajose as a C-suite executive narrative architecture designed for CEOs, founders, and senior leaders seeking authority, trust, and long-term influence.
“The programme is not about chasing publicity or jumping on trends,” Ajose said. “It is about helping leaders articulate their voice, define their positioning, and show up consistently in spaces that matter to their business and legacy.”
He added that many executives delay visibility until a crisis, funding round, or major announcement forces them into the public eye — often unprepared.
“Visibility should be proactive, not reactive. When leaders own their narrative early, they shape perception before the market does it for them.”
Ajose also highlighted measurable benefits of visibility. According to Golin’s 2024 CEO Impact Index, the top 50 most visible CEOs achieved 80 percent higher average annual share-price growth than their peers, demonstrating that executive visibility isn’t merely branding — it directly affects business outcomes.
“As Nigeria’s business landscape becomes more competitive and media-driven, executive visibility has shifted from a personal choice to a leadership responsibility,” Ajose said.
“Leaders who communicate clearly and consistently are more likely to build credibility, attract strategic opportunities, and maintain influence beyond short-term business cycles.”
