Get Guardian on GoogleTeam Lead, External Communications at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Bukola Ayeni, has been named among Nigeria’s top 35 young marketing communications professionals at the 2026 BrandComm 35 Under 35 Awards.
The recognition highlighted her work in corporate communications, public relations, brand development and reputation management over a career spanning nearly a decade.
Ayeni has contributed to communication campaigns, executive visibility and stakeholder engagement initiatives at Union Bank, including the bank’s Endless Possibilities campaign, which won a Bronze Award in the Heritage category at the 2026 Pitcher Awards and was shortlisted in the Film Craft category.
She also supported communication materials and award submissions that contributed to Union Bank’s recognition as Africa’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Diversity and Inclusion at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
The BrandComm Awards ceremony was held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, as part of BRANDCOMFEST, under the theme: ‘Brand Building, Consumer Connection and Disruptive Realities’.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Joshua Ajayi, said brands needed to build trust through relevance, honesty and respect rather than rely solely on the volume of their communication.
The keynote speaker, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings and GDM Group, Victor Gbenga Afolabi, said effective brand building extended beyond advertising and public relations to product quality, service delivery and customer experience.
Before joining Union Bank, Ayeni spent six years at Business School Netherlands, where she gained experience in brand management, digital marketing and corporate communications.
She collaborated with teams in the Netherlands and South Africa on initiatives spanning Europe, Africa and Asia.
Ayeni holds a Master of Business Administration from Business School Netherlands and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from Olabisi Onabanjo University.
She also holds a diploma from the Digital Marketing Institute in the United Kingdom and has completed an executive programme in Enhancing Corporate Reputation at Lagos Business School.
Beyond her professional career, she has held leadership positions at club, division and district levels of Toastmasters International. She also served as president of the BSN Toastmasters Club, leading eight executives and more than 30 members.
Ayeni mentors emerging professionals through initiatives associated with the Mastercard Foundation and Toastmasters International.
