Friends, colleagues and associates recently gathered in Lagos for Olayinka Ijabiyi a dual event celebrating his confirmation as group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank of Nigeria Limited and his 53rd birthday.

The gathering, held at Luxe35 Hotel in Ogba, Lagos, brings together professionals from the financial services, telecoms, media and international development sectors.

The event was moderated by Mojeed Jamiu, publisher of Upshot Reports, who invited guests to share memories and reflections on Ijabiyi’s professional journey and personal relationships.

“Many of us here have known Yinka for years. What stands out,” according to Jamiu, “is his ability to connect with people and earn respect across different industries. His confirmation is a reflection of years of dedication to his profession.”

Jamiu described Ijabiyi as a communications professional whose career had been built on consistency and strong relationships.

“Many of us here have known Yinka for years. What stands out,” according to Jamiu, “is his ability to connect with people and earn respect across different industries. His confirmation is a reflection of years of dedication to his profession.”

Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QEDNG, congratulated Ijabiyi on the milestone, noting that his career growth had been closely followed by many of his friends and colleagues.

 “Yinka started out in journalism and has continued to grow through hard work and professionalism. It is gratifying to see him attain another important career milestone while also celebrating a new year in good health and good spirits,” Iyanda added.

While congratulating Ijabiyi on his confirmation as substantive group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank after serving in an acting capacity since December 2024, amon Nasir, group head of media and external relations at UBA, noted that the position comes with greater responsibilities and higher expectations.

He urged Ijabiyi’s friends and colleagues to continue supporting him as he takes on the demands of the role and strives to sustain his performance in the corporate sector.

Rasheed Bolarinwa, group head of brand management and corporate communication at Polaris Bank, who is also the immediate past president of the Association of Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB), echoed Nasir’s remarks, noting that overseeing marketing and corporate communications in a major bank is a demanding responsibility that requires dedication, strategic thinking and resilience.

Responding, Ijabiyi thanked those present for honouring him and sharing in his celebration.

“I am deeply grateful for the friendship, support and encouragement I have received over the years. This gathering means a lot to me because it brings together people who have been part of my journey in different ways. I look forward to the opportunities and responsibilities that come with this new role,” he said.

Ijabiyi began his professional career as a reporter with TheNews/Tempo magazine and has since built a career spanning journalism, marketing and corporate communications.

A fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, he has developed and executed corporate brand strategies at leading organisations including MTN, MultiChoice, Etisalat Nigeria and British Council.

The roll call of attendees include Shina Badaru, founder of Technology Times; Olumide Iyanda, publisher of QEDNG; Ayeni Adekunle, founder of Black House Media; Azuh Arinze, publisher of YES International; Mojeed Jamiu, publisher of Upshot Reports; Ayodele Aminu, managing director of New Telegraph; Eki Eboigbe, creative director at Entertainment Bus Stop Limited; Rasheed Bolarinwa, group head of brand management and corporate communication at Polaris Bank; Ramon Nasir, group head of media and external relations at UBA; and Olakunle Aderinokun, head of media and public relations at Access Holdings.

Others in attendance included Bamidele Johnson, chief operating officer at Strategic Outcomes Limited; Chris Adetayo, director of CNG Marketing Communications Limited; Ademola Akinbola, publisher of The Podium International Magazine; Tunde Oladipo, group brand lead at Dangote Industries Limited; Semiu Okanlawon, publisher of NPO Reports; Mike Dada, founder of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA); and Steve Ayorinde, former Lagos State commissioner for information and strategy.