By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chief executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, has been named the Banking CEO of the Year award winner at the 2024 International Banker Awards.
It was the second straight year the respected banker is clinching the award, beating others for the coveted prize.
Mr Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Jim Ovia, for his mentorship, which he said was crucial to his success as Group Managing Director of the lender.
He also dedicated the award to the bank’s management team and staff for their unwavering commitment over the past five years; and to the customers for their loyalty.
“It is indeed an honour to be recognised as the Best Banking CEO of the Year in Africa for a second consecutive year.
“This award is a testament to our team’s collective efforts and our commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering value to our customers and stakeholders. It also reflects our dedication to sustainability and high ethical standards, which are integral to our overall strategy.
“I am immensely proud of our accomplishments and look forward to future opportunities for the bank as I hand over the baton to my successor and begin the mandatory regulatory cooling-off period.”
Mr Onyeagwu is expected to leave the position as the GMD of Zenith Bank on Friday, May 31, 2024, and will be succeeded by Ms Adaora Umeoji.
Throughout his tenure, he has received multiple awards, including Bank CEO of the Year (2019, 2023) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020–2023) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper, and Banking CEO of the Year, Africa (2023) – International Banker.
Mr Onyeagwu assumed office on June 1, 2019, as part of Zenith Bank’s succession planning strategy, and has led the financial institution to achieve significant milestones in financial performance, financial inclusion, corporate governance, and sustainability.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere