Dangote Names The Only Man He Calls Boss At Zenith Bank Paris Opening

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed the only man he calls “Oga” (boss).

He made this revelation on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the opening of Zenith Bank’s branch in Paris, France.

“The founder and chairman of this great bank, Oga Jim Ovia. That is the only person I call Oga,” the Forbes-rated industrialist began his address at the high-profile event, which attracted key drivers of the Nigerian economy, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu; President of the France/Nigeria Business Council, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; and the Director General of the French Treasury, Bertrand Dumont.

Oga is a Nigerian parlance with origin in Yoruba language that means Boss.

He re-emphasized his point by adding another “Oga Jim Ovia” after this explanation.

The founder of the financial institution, widely acknowledged as Nigeria’s most profitable bank, was present at the event.

Speaking as a representative of the major contributors to the Nigerian economy, Dangote lauded the opening of Zenith Bank in Paris as a matter of national pride.

“So, this bank that you have opened here is not only for you but for all of us as Nigerians,” he declared. He added, “So I want to congratulate you for making all of us proud. I say thank you very much, and God bless.”

This development adds to Zenith Bank’s established international operations in places like the United Kingdom (UK), United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, and African countries such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gambia.

Highlighting the significance of Zenith Bank opening a branch in Paris for Nigeria, the Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy provided insight:

“Nigeria is very keen on foreign direct investment in particular, but also, as you see, keen on having our presence in international financial centers so that we can build that trust with the business community. The presence of Zenith Bank here can only help to engender that trust with the French business community. They can learn about the opportunities in Africa, and, of course, entry into Nigeria can be facilitated.”

He went on to laud the Chairman and founder of Zenith Bank for “leading the charge, breaking bounds, and delivering an example not just of corporate governance, not just of technology, but of excellence” since 1990 (the year Zenith Bank was founded). He also praised the board of directors and management for this landmark expansion.