First Bank of Nigeria Limited has elevated Olayinka Ijabiyi as the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, signaling a new phase in the bank’s strategic marketing and stakeholder engagement efforts.
Ijabiyi, who made the announcement via his official LinkedIn profile, expressed his excitement at taking up the role. “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communication at First Bank of Nigeria Ltd.”
This elevation marks a significant milestone in a career that has spanned over two decades across various sectors, including telecommunications, education, sustainable development, entertainment, and banking. His new responsibilities at Nigeria’s oldest and most respected financial institution are expected to consolidate the bank’s brand equity and stakeholder confidence at a time when financial services are rapidly evolving.
A respected marketing and communications strategist, Ijabiyi’s role will be pivotal in reinforcing FirstBank’s position as a trusted financial partner in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa. He is expected to leverage his extensive background in brand strategy, digital innovation, stakeholder engagement, and integrated marketing communications to align the bank’s messaging with the expectations of its diverse customer base and business environment.
Before this appointment, Ijabiyi was Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management at the bank, where he played a central role in managing and refining FirstBank’s corporate and product brand narratives. He also previously led the establishment of the bank’s Digital Marketing and Innovation team, a move that helped modernize FirstBank’s approach to customer engagement and digital communications.
His journey with FirstBank began in 2011 when he joined as Head of Brand Strategy, Financial Planning, and Special Projects. In that capacity, he worked on repositioning the bank’s brand in alignment with corporate strategy, and also oversaw customer insight research to better inform marketing decisions.
Ijabiyi’s prior experience includes significant leadership roles at some of Nigeria’s top organizations. He served as Acting Head of Corporate Communications and PR Manager at Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed to the successful launch of the telecom brand and managed a wide portfolio of stakeholder relations, corporate social responsibility, crisis communications, and reputation management. He also held positions at MTN Nigeria, British Council Lagos, and Multichoice Nigeria.
Known for his strategic clarity and customer-first thinking, Ijabiyi is regarded as a communicator who brings fresh perspectives to brand building and corporate engagement. His ability to lead cross-functional teams, foster interdepartmental synergy, and cultivate positive media relationships has contributed to his reputation as a forward-thinking leader.
The appointment reflects FirstBank’s broader commitment to nurturing leadership from within and creating resilient, agile teams capable of driving transformation. The bank’s decision to entrust this responsibility to Ijabiyi is a nod to his proven track record in executing high-impact marketing campaigns, managing complex stakeholder ecosystems, and shaping narratives that align with business goals.
Professionally, Ijabiyi is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN). He holds a BA in English Language from Ondo State University and a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos.
From his early days as a reporter and acting editor at Tempo Life Magazine to now steering communications at one of Nigeria’s most iconic financial institutions, Ijabiyi’s career has been defined by versatility, passion for storytelling, and a strong belief in communications as a tool for change. Outside the boardroom, he finds joy in photography and creative writing, two passions he believes are powerful mediums for telling stories that shape culture and inspire innovation.
As FirstBank positions itself for sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market, Ijabiyi’s appointment is expected to bring renewed momentum to the brand’s marketing direction and communications strategy anchored on insight, innovation, and customer relevance.