FirstBank Confirms Ijabiyi As Group Head, Marketing Corporate Communications

FirstBank has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive group head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, effective immediately.

The bank said the appointment reinforces its commitment to strong corporate governance as it continues its growth and transformation drive.

Ijabiyi, a marketing and corporate communications professional with over 25 years of experience, has worked across the financial services, telecommunications, media and international development sectors.

He joined FirstBank in 2011 and had served in acting capacity as group head of Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024 before his confirmation.

In his current role, he oversees the development and execution of 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 initiatives aligned with the bank’s business objectives.

Prior to his latest appointment, Ijabiyi held several leadership positions within the bank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, including head, Brand Strategy and Special Projects; head, Digital Marketing; and head, Brand and Stakeholder Management.

Before joining FirstBank, he worked with organisations such as the British Council, Multichoice, MTN and Etisalat Nigeria, where he handled brand building, corporate communications and digital transformation initiatives.

The bank noted that Ijabiyi had led several major brand initiatives, including milestone anniversary campaigns and brand refresh programmes aimed at strengthening brand equity and improving operational efficiency.

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 also a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).