LAGOS, Nigeria – First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Thomas Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, with immediate effect.
The bank said the appointment reinforces its corporate governance framework at a key stage in its growth and transformation strategy.
Okay News reports that Ijabiyi brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and corporate communications across sectors including financial services, telecommunications, media, and international development.
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 developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies across the bank’s markets, overseeing brand and reputation management, executive positioning, corporate responsibility and sustainability, and strategic communications initiatives aligned with the bank’s business objectives.
Before his current position, Ijabiyi held several leadership roles within FirstBank, including Head of Brand Strategy and Special Projects, Head of Digital Marketing, and Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management.
Prior to joining the bank, he worked with organisations including the British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria, and Etisalat Nigeria, where he contributed to brand development, corporate communications, and digital transformation initiatives.
The bank described Ijabiyi as a professional with a track record in translating business objectives into marketing and communications strategies, noting his involvement in major brand campaigns and initiatives that strengthened brand visibility and engagement.
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).
