By Peace Udugba
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and a leading financial inclusion service provider, has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.
The appointment takes immediate effect and underscores the bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance as it continues to drive its transformation and growth strategy.
Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development.
He is widely recognised for his expertise in brand transformation, strategic visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
Ijabiyi joined FirstBank in 2011 and had served in an acting capacity as Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024 prior to his confirmation.
In his current role, he is responsible for the development and execution of integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the FirstBank Group.
He also oversees brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives, as well as strategic communications aligned with the bank’s overall business objectives.
Before his elevation, he held several leadership roles within the bank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
Prior to joining FirstBank, Ijabiyi built a distinguished career with organisations such as British Council, MultiChoice, MTN, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he made significant contributions to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
He is widely regarded for his strategic leadership and ability to translate business objectives into impactful marketing and communications outcomes.
Over the years, he has led major brand campaigns, including anniversary celebrations and brand refresh initiatives, while consistently improving operational efficiency and strengthening brand equity.
Ijabiyi holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the former Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti.
He is a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), among other professional bodies.
