Foremost marketing communications professional, Olayinka Ijabiyi has climb a rung higher on the ladder of his professional journey, following his elevation at First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, Nigeria’s premier and longest-standing financial services institution, as Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications.
This strategic elevation, as observers note, marks another milestone in Ijabiyi’s distinguished career, bringing his wealth of experience and industry knowledge to the helm of one of the country’s most visible financial brands.
Prior to this appointment, Ijabiyi served as Head of Digital Marketing at FirstBank, where he was responsible for leading digital innovation and transformation across the bank’s marketing ecosystem. His portfolio included driving digital marketing strategies and overseeing initiatives that enhanced the bank’s online engagement and customer reach in an increasingly digital-first economy.
Ijabiyi’s journey through the marketing and communications landscape is both robust and multifaceted. He brings over two decades of experience across sectors such as media, education, telecommunications, entertainment, sustainable development, and financial services. His expertise spans a broad spectrum of disciplines including journalism, public relations, internal communications, corporate social responsibility, media and reputation management, brand strategy, and integrated marketing communications.
He began his professional career in journalism as a Reporter/Researcher with Tempo Life, a lifestyle insert of the renowned Tempo Magazine, rising swiftly to the role of Acting Editor. His passion for storytelling and public engagement then led him to MultiChoice Nigeria as a Public Relations Officer.
Ijabiyi’s communications acumen was further sharpened in subsequent roles at major organizations. He served as Communications Manager at British Council Lagos, External Communications Officer at MTN Nigeria, and Acting Head of Corporate Communications at Etisalat Nigeria. Notably, during his tenure at Etisalat, he played a central role in crafting and executing marketing strategies that helped position the brand during its critical launch phase in 2008.
In 2011, Ijabiyi joined FirstBank as Head of Brand Strategy, Financial Planning, and Special Projects. There, he was charged with consolidating the bank’s brand strategy in alignment with its overarching business goals. His performance in this role laid the foundation for his elevation to Head of Brand and Stakeholder Management, overseeing brand presence and stakeholder engagement across Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognized as a subject matter expert, Ijabiyi is an active member of key industry bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), where he continues to contribute thought leadership in branding and corporate communications.
Academically, Ijabiyi holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Ondo State University and a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Lagos—credentials that further reinforce his strategic thinking and policy insight in both public and private sectors.
As Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ijabiyi is expected to provide visionary leadership in steering FirstBank’s brand, marketing, and stakeholder communications functions, strengthening its positioning as an innovative and customer-centric institution in the Nigerian and African financial landscape.