‘The godfather of modern banking,’ Zenith Bank MD hails Jim Ovia as lender turns 35

The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, has paid glowing tribute to the bank’s founder, Jim Ovia, describing him as “the godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time.”

This is as Zenith Bank at the weekend celebrated its 35th anniversary with a glamorous Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos.

The event, attended by top political and business leaders, honoured pioneer customers and long-serving staff for their contributions to the lender’s growth. Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Kashim Shettima; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori (represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme); business mogul Aliko Dangote; and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi.

In his goodwill message, Shettima, an alumnus of the bank, lauded Ovia for embedding innovation in Nigeria’s financial sector long before it became a global norm. “Jim Ovia introduced innovation not as fashion but as philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard,” he said. “His true legacy lies in human capital – transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generations of bankers and investors.”

Ovia, in his response, expressed appreciation to customers, shareholders, regulators, and partners for their support over the years, while commending the Zenith family led by Umeoji for their loyalty and commitment.

Since its founding in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from modest beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with presence across Nigeria and operations in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, the UAE, and a representative office in China.