Zenith Bank @ 35: President Tinubu Congratulates Jim Ovia On Vision, Resilience, Leadership And Sustainable Success

Zenith Bank @ 35

OpenLife Nigeria reports that President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated the found of Zenith Bank, Dr. Jim Ovia on the 35th anniversary of Zenith Bank and its trailing success story.

President Tinubu, in a letter he personally signed described Ovia as a man of “foresight.” The President noted that under Jim Ovia’s leadership, Zenith Ban has achieved impressive financial records, global reckoning as well as investors’ confidence.

The letter, sighted by OpenLife, reads in full:

My Dear Jim Ovia,

On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend to you my heartfelt congratulations on the 35th Anniversary of Zenith Bank Plc.

This remarkable milestone is not only a celebration of the bank’s enduring success, but also a tribute to your vision, resilience, and pioneering leadership since its inception in 1990. Through your foresight, Zenith Bank has become a symbol of excellence, innovation, and trust, commanding respect across Africa and beyond.

Under your guidance, the Bank has remained at the forefront of digital transformation, setting new standards in corporate governance and customer service, while contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Beyond business, I deeply admire your dedication to youth empowerment and education through various initiatives, including your service as Chairman of NELFUND, which aligns perfectly with my administration’s vision of expanding opportunities for the younger generation. These efforts reflect your abiding belief in the future of Nigeria.

As you and the entire Zenith family mark this anniversary, I join you in celebrating the achievements of the past 35 years and look forward with confidence to even great accomplishments ahead. May Zenith Bank continue to thrive as a cornerstone of Nige economic transformation, and may your legacy of service, innovation, and philanthropy endure for generations.

Please accept the assurance of my highest esteem, together with my warm personal regards.

Yours sincerely,

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

  Zenith Bank Marks 35th Anniversary
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank which has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja, as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, the UAE and a representative office in China, rolled out the drums last week to mark 35th year of success in business.

Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, the bank marked the 35th anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025.

In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders of the bank, including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that have propelled the banking giant to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.

Among the eminent personalities who graced the occasion were the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas and  Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum

Others were  Governor of Delta, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was ably 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).

In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution.

She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today.”

In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital.

According to him, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of the 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. 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”.

Also speaking at the event, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR, expressed his 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; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.