Odita Sunday 
FirstBank Confirms Ijabiyi As Group Head, Marketing, Corporate Communications
By Odita Sunday
Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has officially confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as its substantive Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, in a move seen as strengthening its leadership structure at a critical phase of growth.
The bank disclosed that the appointment takes immediate effect, noting that it aligns with its broader governance and transformation agenda as it continues to reposition its brand across key markets.
Ijabiyi, a seasoned communications strategist with over 25 years’ experience, has built a reputation for driving brand visibility, stakeholder engagement and integrated marketing across multiple sectors, including banking, telecommunications, media and development organisations.
Before his confirmation, he had been serving in an acting capacity since December 2024, overseeing group-wide communications strategy and brand management functions.
In his expanded role, he is expected to lead the execution of unified marketing campaigns, corporate messaging and sustainability-driven initiatives, while also managing executive positioning and reputation across the bank’s operations.
The new Group Head has spent over a decade within FirstBank, having joined the institution in 2011 and rising through key leadership roles such as Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
His career trajectory also spans major organisations including British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria and 9mobile, where he contributed to brand development, digital transformation and strategic communications.
Ijabiyi is widely regarded for his ability to translate business objectives into impactful campaigns, having led several high-profile brand initiatives, including anniversary campaigns and corporate rebranding efforts that enhanced market visibility.
Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Ondo State University Ado Ekiti.
He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, reinforcing his standing within Nigeria’s marketing and communications industry.
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