Nigeria: Jim Ovia Placed Zenith Bank On Path of Excellence - Shettima

18 August 2025

Zenith Bank Plc at the weekend marked its 35th anniversary with a commemorative event which brought together key stakeholders, partners, staff and friends of the bank to acknowledge over three decades of excellence, innovation and reliability in the Nigerian banking sector.

In recognition of the pivotal role played by its earliest customers and employees, Zenith Bank specially honoured its first customers and long-serving members of staff who have served 25 years and above.

Speaking at the event, Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, an alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria's largest bank by Tier-One capital.

He said, "Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking industry. He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet."

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

"For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital - in transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generation after generation of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank."

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, underscored the bank's enduring commitment to delivering exceptional service and providing financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses.

"Our success has been built on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our staff. Today, we not only celebrate 35 years of growth and excellence, but also the people who made this possible," she said.

The Founder and Chairman expressed its immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion.

He thanked the bank's esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years.

Other eminent personalities who graced the occasion Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).

Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa's leading financial institutions, with a reputation for stability, innovation and outstanding customer service.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.