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Bukola Ayeni, Team Lead, External Communications at Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, has earned a place among Nigeria’s outstanding young marketing communications professionals at the 2026 BrandComm 35 Under 35 Awards.
The honour recognises her contributions to corporate communications, brand development, public relations and reputation management, marking another milestone in a career spanning nearly a decade.
Ayeni has built a strong professional background in integrated marketing communications, business strategy, digital marketing, crisis communication and stakeholder engagement, combining creativity with practical business solutions.
At Union Bank, she has contributed to major communication campaigns, executive visibility, stakeholder relations and initiatives aimed at strengthening the bank’s reputation.
One of her notable contributions was providing communications and public relations support for the bank’s Endless Possibilities campaign, which highlights Union Bank’s commitment to supporting the ambitions of Nigerians.
The campaign won a Bronze Award in the Heritage category at the 2026 Pitcher Awards and was also shortlisted in the Film Craft category.
Ayeni also contributed to the communication materials and award submissions supporting 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, held as part of BRANDCOMFEST at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, celebrated outstanding brands, agencies and professionals under the theme, “Brand Building, Consumer Connection and Disruptive Realities.”
Speaking at the event, the convener, Joshua Ajayi, emphasised the importance of trust and meaningful relationships between brands and consumers.
“You cannot buy connection with volume alone. You earn it through relevance, honesty and respect,” he said.
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The keynote speaker, Dr Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings and GDM Group, said successful brand building must go beyond advertising and public relations to include quality products, effective service delivery and positive customer experiences.
Before joining Union Bank, Ayeni spent six years at Business School Netherlands (BSN), where she gained experience in brand management, digital marketing and corporate communications. She worked with teams in the Netherlands and South Africa on initiatives covering Europe, Africa and Asia.
During this period, she developed and executed BSN Transformation Moment, a 12-month radio programme on Inspiration FM, Lagos. The 49-episode programme featured business leaders and entrepreneurs who shared insights on business growth and leadership.
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 corporate career, Ayeni has demonstrated a commitment to leadership development and mentoring.
She has held leadership positions at club, division and district levels of Toastmasters International, including serving as President of the BSN Toastmasters Club, where she led eight executives and more than 30 members.
She also mentors emerging professionals through initiatives associated with the Mastercard Foundation and Toastmasters International.
Her recognition at the BrandComm 35 Under 35 Awards highlights the growing contributions of young Nigerian professionals to corporate communication and brand management.
