By Obinna Uballa
Kashim Shettima, Nigeria’s Vice President, has hailed Jim Ovia, founder of Zenith Bank for what he described as the positioning of the financial insitition as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital, and redefining the country’s banking sector trajectory.
“Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking,” Shettima said.
“He introduced innovation not as fashion but as philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard.”
Shettima spoke at the weekend in Lagos at a dinner organized to mark the bank’s 35th anniversary.
The event was attended by many eminent guests including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas; Borno Governor Babagana Zulum; Delta Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; and Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, described Ovia as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time,” praising his foresight, integrity, and investment in human capital that built Zenith into a global brand.
Ovia, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the bank’s customers, shareholders, regulators, staff, partners, and family for their unwavering support, while reaffirming commitment to sustaining the legacy of innovation and excellence.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from modest beginnings to become one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with presence in the UK, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE, and a representative office in China.
