Ijabiyi Confirmed as FirstBank Group Head, Corporate Communications

Michael Olumide

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion service provider, has confirmed the appointment of Olayinka Ijabiyi as the substantive Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.

According to the Marketing & Corporate Communications, James O Ashu, the appointment, which takes immediate effect, underscores the bank’s commitment to strong corporate governance and strategic leadership as it continues its growth and transformation drive across its markets.

A seasoned marketing and corporate communications expert with over 25 years of professional experience, Ijabiyi has built a distinguished career spanning the financial services, telecommunications, media and international development sectors.
Having joined FirstBank in 2011, Ijabiyi had been serving in an acting capacity as Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications since December 2024 before his recent confirmation.

In his current role, he is responsible for leading the development and execution of integrated marketing and corporate communications strategies across the bank’s operations.

His responsibilities also include brand and reputation management, executive positioning, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability initiatives, as well as strategic communications programmes aligned with the institution’s business aspirations.

Over the years, Ijabiyi has held several strategic leadership positions within the bank’s Marketing and Corporate Communications Department.

These include Head, Brand Strategy and Special Projects; Head, Digital Marketing; and Head, Brand and Stakeholder Management.

Before joining FirstBank, he garnered extensive experience working with notable organisations such as the British Council, MultiChoice, MTN Nigeria and 9mobile, formerly Etisalat Nigeria, where he played significant roles in brand development, corporate communications and digital transformation initiatives.

Widely respected for his strategic insight and leadership capabilities, Ijabiyi has successfully spearheaded several high-profile brand campaigns and transformation projects, including milestone anniversary initiatives and brand refresh programmes that enhanced visibility, operational efficiency and brand equity.

Academically, 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 and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, among other professional associations.

Industry observers believe the confirmation of Ijabiyi’s appointment will further strengthen FirstBank’s brand positioning, stakeholder engagement and corporate communications strategy as the institution continues to deepen innovation, customer engagement and market expansion across Africa and beyond.