Over the weekend in Lagos, Zenith Bank Plc rolled out drums for its pioneer customers and members of staff, who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.
The event, which precisely took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Friday, August 15, 2025, brought together key stakeholders of the bank, including customers, staff (past and present), regulators, partners, and friends for the 35th anniversary of the company.
Zenith Bank was established in May 1990 and has since grown 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, UAE and a representative office in China.
The chief executive of the lender, Ms Adaora Umeoji, in her welcome address, described the chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr Jim Ovia, 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.”
On his part, Mr Ovia 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 Ms Umeoji, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
The Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Kashim Shettima, who once worked at Zenith Bank and was present at the event, said, “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of 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.”
Others present at the ceremony were the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Governor of Taraba State, Mr Agbu Kefas; the Governor of Borno State, Mr Babagana Zulum; the Governor of Delta, Mr Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Monday Onyeme; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and ex-Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Emmanuel Udom; and Africa’s richest man, Mr Aliko Dangote; among others.