By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The International Banker has announced the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, as the Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa.
Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on banking, finance and world affairs. Its influence, integrity, accuracy and objective opinion have earned it global recognition.
In its International Banker 2023 Banking Awards, published in the Spring 2023 issue of the International Banker Magazine, Mr Onyeagwu was honoured alongside other individuals and banks from the Middle East and Africa.
The Nigerian banker, while commenting on the honour bestowed on him, said the award “reflects the bank’s position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and the African continent.”
“It also attests to our commitment to principles of sustainability and high ethical standards, which have become integral to our overall strategy as an institution,” he added.
Mr Onyeagwu dedicated it to the founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia, for his guidance and mentorship.
He also dedicated the award to the bank’s management team and staff for being the shoulder upon which his achievements and success as CEO rests, and the bank’s customers for making Zenith Bank their bank of choice.
This latest award is coming barely three months after he was conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The degree was in recognition of his immense achievements as the head of Zenith Bank as well as his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and across the African continent.
Mr Onyeagwu’s outstanding career has led to him receiving multiple awards, including Bank CEO of the Year (2019) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020, 2021 & 2022) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper.
As the GMD of Zenith Bank, he has led the tier-one lender to achieve tremendous feats and milestones in financial performance, including 47 per cent growth in the bank’s market capitalisation in four years, financial inclusion, corporate governance and sustainability.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere