President Tinubu Salutes Zenith Bank Founder Jim Ovia at 75

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia, has received a congratulatory message from President Bola Tinubu on his 75th birthday.

The banking icon was praised for his monumental contributions to Nigeria’s economic development and his revolutionary impact on the financial sector.

The President, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Mr Ovia as an accomplished leader whose entrepreneurial stride has significantly advanced Nigeria’s private sector.

He noted that the retired banker has made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, economic development, and private-sector growth.

Mr Tinubu particularly celebrated Mr Ovia for his pioneering role in establishing the bank in the 1990s and building it into a leading financial institution with a robust presence across Africa and Europe.

“Mr Ovia’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence have not only grown Zenith Bank into a banking behemoth but have also driven the growth of the Nigerian financial services sector,” the President said.

He also affirmed that Mr Ovia’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the importance of innovation, discipline, sound corporate governance, and long-term investment in national development.

Furthermore, he acknowledged his contributions to digital infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, philanthropy, and human capital development—particularly through initiatives that create life-changing opportunities for young Nigerians to achieve their full potential.

As the Zenith Bank founder marks this milestone, President Tinubu stated that he joins family and friends in wishing him continued good health, renewed strength, and many more years of productive service to Nigeria and humanity.