Friends, colleagues and associates recently gathered in Lagos to celebrate Olayinka Ijabiyi following his confirmation as group head of marketing and corporate communications at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, as well as his 53rd birthday.
The intimate gathering was held at Luxe35 Hotel in Ogba, Lagos, bringing together professionals from the financial services, telecommunications, media and international development sectors.
Among those present were Shina Badaru, publisher 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.
The event was moderated by Jamiu, who invited guests to share memories and reflections on Ijabiyi’s professional journey and personal relationships.
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 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,” he said.
Iyanda 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,” he said.
While congratulating Ijabiyi on his confirmation as the substantive group head of