Zenith Bank At 35: Chairman Jim Ovia Names Greatest Gift

Jim Ovia, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, revealed what he considered the greatest gift during the bank’s 35th anniversary celebration held on Friday, August 15, 2025.

The event, which took place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted several high-profile personalities.

Among them were the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas; the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme. Also in attendance were Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (an alumnus of Zenith Bank).

“Your presence tonight is the greatest gift I could receive,” Ovia, a revered figure within and outside the banking industry, told the distinguished guests.

The audience included key stakeholders of the bank: customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends of the financial institution, which is widely acknowledged as an industry leader across multiple metrics.

“This bank that began thirty-five years ago in a modest residential duplex has grown into a global brand. And the best of Zenith Bank is yet to come!” Ovia declared to wide applause, as he reflected on the bank’s journey and future.

Zenith Bank continues to earn recognition for excellence, innovation, and impact both at home and abroad—most recently winning at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence and maintaining its position as Nigeria’s number one bank by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year, according to The Banker Magazine’s Top 1000 World Banks ranking.

The Chairman expressed deep appreciation to regulators for their “guidance over the years,” and described friends and partners as a “source of strength.”

He also paid special tribute to his wife, Kay, and his family for their love and support. In addition, he praised the “exceptional Group Managing Director,” Dame Adaora Umeoji, for her “contributions, loyalty, and commitment.”

Since assuming office as the first female Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank on June 1, 2025, Dame Umeoji has overseen significant growth in the bank’s achievements, guided by her philosophy of “not just success in the present, but building an institution so strong, so values-driven, and so impactful that it endures beyond our lifetimes.”

The 35th anniversary celebration, signposted by a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner, also honoured pioneer customers and long-serving staff with awards, plaques, and special recognitions.