FirstBank Archives - Women of Rubies

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande (CBA) is a distinguished marketing communications professional with over two decades of experience spanning brand communication, marketing, strategy, digital marketing, and corporate innovations. Her impact is felt across both public and private sectors, earning her recognition as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Marketing and Corporate Communications by WIMCA for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).

Professional Excellence in Corporate Communications

Currently serving as the Head of Digital Marketing at FirstBank, CBA also leads Sponsorship, Partnerships, Events, and Collaborations, driving strategic initiatives for one of Africa’s most reputable financial institutions. Her career journey includes leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as UNICEF (Head, PLM Division), Zmirage Multi-Media Limited, Selcroft Associates, Ibeto Group, and LynxTronix Computers.

Her vast expertise in brand management, marketing strategy, and corporate communications has positioned her as a thought leader in the industry. She holds certifications in Social Media Marketing from Hootsuite Academy, Strategic Brand Management from Austin University Texas, Digital Marketing from Edu Pristine USA, and Consulting from Harvard School of Continued Education, Boston, USA.

Academic and Professional Credentials

CBA holds a BSc. in Banking and Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is also a Full Member of the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (ISMN), a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), as well as a Full Member of the Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN).

Authorship and Thought Leadership

As an accomplished author, CBA has penned four books, sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise in marketing, business, and personal development. Her works continue to inspire professionals and aspiring leaders in the marketing and corporate sectors.

Championing Humanitarian Causes

Beyond her corporate career, CBA is deeply passionate about social impact. She is the Founder of the Chinwe Bode-Akinwande Foundation (CBAFoundation), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and supporting underprivileged widows and their children. Under her leadership, the foundation has positively impacted over 11,000 lives through its five-point agenda, which focuses on empowerment, education, and financial support.

Podcasting for Impact: Hope for the Widow

CBA is also the host of the podcast “Hope for the Widow,” a platform that provides support and encouragement to widows navigating life’s challenges. With over 40,000 listeners, the podcast has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals.

Final Thoughts

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande exemplifies excellence in corporate leadership, marketing communications, and humanitarian work. Her dedication to uplifting others while excelling in her professional pursuits makes her a true inspiration. Whether through her strategic roles in corporate marketing, her influential books, or her impactful foundation, CBA continues to leave a remarkable legacy.

Stay connected with CBA as she continues to shape the future of marketing and social advocacy!

FirstBank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored the recently held Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS 2025), which took place from August 5–8 at the Sheraton Centre in Downtown Toronto, Canada.

Organized by Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network, the summit brought together fintech leaders, regulators, startups, and investors from Africa and Canada to explore scalable digital solutions, boost investments, and promote inclusive economic growth across both continents.

FirstBank’s Commitment to Inclusive Digital Innovation

With over 131 years of leadership in financial services, FirstBank’s sponsorship of CAFS 2025 reflects its deep commitment to financial inclusion, cross-border collaboration, and cutting-edge fintech solutions.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, stated:

“Our support of CAFS 2025 reflects our belief that collaboration between African and Canadian fintech ecosystems can lead to transformative innovations. FirstBank is proud to help shape that future.”

Driving Digital Collaboration Across Borders

In a high-level panel discussion with Rudy Cuzzeto (MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore) and David Stevenson (Country Director, UN World Food Programme, Nigeria), Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive for E-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank, emphasized the role of secure, regulatory-aligned APIs in building trust and driving convergence between banks, fintechs, and regulators.

“In Nigeria, fintech has evolved beyond disruption to convergence, integrating banks, fintechs, and regulators into an agile and accountable ecosystem,” Ezirim explained.

Harnessing AI to Expand Credit Access

On another panel, Rachel Adeshina, Chief Technology Officer at FirstBank, shared how the bank uses artificial intelligence to interpret alternative data, enabling credit access for underserved individuals who are often invisible to traditional credit systems.

FirstBank has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in digital loans using this AI-driven model, achieving a 99% repayment rate, a testament to the power of technology when paired with supportive regulations and consumer trust.

David Stevenson, Muna Abdi, Chuma Ezirim of FirstBank, and Rudy Cuzzeto during a panel session at the Canada-Africa Fintech Summit 2025 in Toronto. — L-R: David Stevenson, Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme (Nigeria), Muna Abdi, Chief Operating Officer, HOVR, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, e-Business and Retail Products, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Rudy Cuzzeto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore

Fintech Collaboration as a Catalyst for Growth

Speakers stressed that interoperability and cross-border payments are critical to scaling fintech solutions in Africa.

As Ezirim noted:

“The more we collaborate, the more lessons we learn, and the greater the benefits for consumers.”

About FirstBank

Founded in 1894, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is one of Africa’s most enduring and respected financial institutions, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, financial access, and cross-border innovation.

Media Contact:
Olayinka Ijabiyi
Ag. Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications
FirstBank of Nigeria Limited

FirstBank

Chinwe Bode-Akinwande: Multifaceted Leader in Marketing, Strategy, Humanitarian Work