In a defining moment for Nigeria’s banking communications landscape, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has taken center stage as its own Abiodun Coker was elected Publicity Secretary of the Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB). The announcement, made during ACAMB’s Annual General Meeting in Lagos, marks the beginning of the 2026–2028 term for a dynamic new executive council poised to reshape the industry’s communications standards and visibility.
Coker’s election is more than a personal achievement; it signals UBA’s growing influence in the sector. Recognized for his innovative campaigns and strategic leadership, Coker has previously led some of the bank’s most successful initiatives, including the 75th anniversary celebrations and the high-profile 2024 rights issue campaign. These efforts have showcased his ability to blend creativity with strategic impact, making him a natural fit for ACAMB’s communications leadership.
The full executive team reflects a cross-section of Nigeria’s banking communication heavyweights.
Babajide Sipe of the Bank of Industry assumes the presidency, with Chinwe Bode-Akinwande of FirstBank as First Vice President and Morolake Philip-Ladipo of Wema Bank as Second Vice President. Other key positions include Olugbenga Owootomo of Polaris Bank as General Secretary, Halima Ishak of Jaiz Bank as Financial Secretary, Ademola Adesola of Parallex Bank as Assistant General Secretary, Unoaku Temitope Anyadike of GTB as Treasurer, and MacQueen Afolabi of Zenith Bank as Social Secretary. Together, this team represents a wealth of experience and vision for the next two years.
During his inaugural speech, President Babajide Sipe emphasized the council’s commitment to professional growth, member engagement, and advocacy for communications specialists in the banking industry. He highlighted the importance of mentorship programs, career development initiatives, and industry-wide collaborations, promising that ACAMB would play a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s financial communications landscape.
For UBA, Coker’s election reinforces the bank’s position as a leader not only in financial performance but also in strategic communications. His role as Publicity Secretary means UBA will have a direct hand in shaping the narrative for the entire industry, setting new benchmarks for media engagement, corporate messaging, and public relations best practices.
Industry analysts see this as a significant move that underscores UBA’s growing prominence and thought leadership within the sector.
Abiodun Coker is widely recognized for his creative and impactful approach to communications. At UBA, he has overseen campaigns that blended storytelling with strategic messaging, creating strong engagement across multiple channels. His leadership in the bank’s milestone campaigns has earned him recognition as a rising star in the field, and his influence extends beyond corporate media to industry-wide best practices.
Outgoing ACAMB President Rasheed Bolarinwa praised the new council’s composition, noting that the combination of experience, creativity, and strategic insight represented a unique opportunity for the association. He highlighted key achievements under his tenure, including the introduction of certification programs for members, professional development workshops, and enhanced collaboration with regulatory bodies. These initiatives have strengthened the credibility of communications professionals in the banking sector and laid the groundwork for the incoming leadership team to build upon.
The ACAMB Annual General Meeting also served as a platform to discuss emerging trends in banking communications, including digital transformation, media engagement strategies, and the evolving role of public relations in financial institutions. The new council, with Coker at the forefront of publicity, is expected to lead the charge in adapting these trends into actionable strategies that benefit members and the industry at large.
Coker’s appointment is particularly noteworthy because it comes at a time when Nigerian banks are seeking to increase transparency, improve stakeholder communication, and enhance brand reputation. As Publicity Secretary, he will play a critical role in guiding the messaging for industry wide initiatives, ensuring that banks are better positioned to engage customers, regulators, and the public.
Beyond strategy, ACAMB’s new leadership team is committed to fostering collaboration and unity among members. First Vice President Chinwe Bode-Akinwande emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating that the council’s success will depend on active participation from all members. By leveraging the combined experience of executives from multiple banks, ACAMB aims to elevate the standards of communication and marketing across Nigeria’s financial sector.
The new term also prioritizes mentorship and career development, with programs aimed at nurturing young professionals and helping them acquire the skills needed to excel in banking communications. This approach not only strengthens the association but also ensures a pipeline of skilled communicators ready to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive industry.
With UBA’s Abiodun Coker at the helm of publicity, the spotlight is firmly on the bank as it continues to demonstrate leadership beyond traditional banking operations. His strategic vision and proven track record suggest that ACAMB’s upcoming initiatives will be innovative, well coordinated, and highly impactful, reinforcing the importance of professional communications in shaping public perception and driving industry progress.
As the 2026–2028 term begins, all eyes are on UBA and Coker to see how they will set new benchmarks for banking communications. From enhancing professional standards to leading high-impact campaigns, this new era promises to elevate both the association and the role of communications in Nigeria’s banking industry.
The election of this vibrant leadership team, with UBA taking a starring role, marks a pivotal moment for ACAMB and Nigeria’s financial sector, signaling a future where strategic communication, professional development, and industry collaboration are prioritized like never before.
