To celebrate the life of Nigeria’s foremost Banker, Jim Ovia, President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osibanjo had heaped encomiums on the business guru on the occasion of launching his auto-biography titled ‘Africa Rise And Shine.”
Lauding the achievements of Ovia, who is the Chairman, Zenith Bank Group, the President in a letter read at the launch which took place Monday at Eko Hotel And Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, described the new book as a valuable “contribution to the knowledge base of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs, particularly, the Nigerian youth.”
“Your journey and experience in building one of our country’s most iconic enterprise is an encouragement to our fellow citizens. Congratulations on this achievement. It is my pleasure to convey my congratulations to you on the publication of the book, Africa Rise and Shine, which you authored,” The President added.
In his remarks, Ovia while thanking his guests revealed his inspiration behind the book. According to him, it is indeed about Africa rising and shining once again. Buttressing Christopher Kolade’s address, Ovia noted that the era when Africa was known as a dark continent is now a thing of the past.
Describing himself as a student of the author, Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emfiele said, “In Africa Rise And Shine, Jim Ovia shares from his wealth of experience spanning over 38 years in Banking, Telecommunications and Insurance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo noted that Jim Ovia has continued to remain at the zenith because he put the interest of others above interest of self. Describing his brand of leadership as sacrificial leadership, “Jim’s story tells us that it is not how the figures look or what the situation looks like in the first few years. It is about three things; one is character, two, character and three character.”
Also, Kashim Shettima singled out Ovia’s philanthropy as unassuming and quiet. He acknowledged his contribution towards the rebuilding of schools in Borno destroyed during the terror reign of Boko Haram. He counselled Nigerians to emulate the erudite Banker.
The well attended event was witnessed by eminent personalities including five sitting Governors namely; Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Darius Dickson Ishaku (Taraba), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and the Governor of Central Back . Other political personalities at the event include, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader, All Peoples Congress (APC) and Adams Oshiomole, Chairman, APC.
Chaired by Dr. Christopher Kolade, the event was witnessed by captains of industry and royal fathers including Mr. Tony Elumelu, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Oba Of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, Dein of Agbor Kingdom among others.
