FirstBank Nigeria Limited has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications.
The appointment takes immediate effect and is expected to reinforce corporate governance as the bank continues its growth and transformation journey.
Ijabiyi is a seasoned marketing and corporate communications professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development sectors.
He joined FirstBank Nigeria Limited in 2011 and had served in an acting capacity as Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024 before his recent confirmation.
In his current role, he is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the Group’s markets. His responsibilities also cover brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability, as well as strategic communications aligned with the bank’s business objectives.
Before his confirmation, Ijabiyi held several leadership positions 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, he worked with leading organisations such as the British Council, MultiChoice Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, and 9mobile, formerly Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
Widely recognised for his strategic leadership and ability to align communications with business goals, Ijabiyi has led several high-impact projects, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh initiatives that strengthened brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the former Ondo State University.
He is also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, among other professional bodies.
