Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mix of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank Plc marked its thirty fifth yr anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner on 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 model, the {bank} additionally offered commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer clients and long-serving employees, who’ve served meritoriously for 25 years and above.
The ceremony introduced collectively key stakeholders of the {bank} together with clients, employees (previous and current), regulators, companions, and buddies, who all got here collectively to have fun 35 years of fantastic and revolutionary banking companies that has propelled the banking large to the height of Nigeria’s {financial} trade.
Among the eminent personalities who graced the event have been 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; Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; 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 (additionally an alumnus of Zenith Bank).
In her welcome tackle, 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 function in constructing the constructions for what has in the present day develop into a shining instance of excellence within the Nigerian banking trade and a globally recognised {financial} establishment. 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 on the coronary heart of the very profitable model that in the present day 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 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 talking on the occasion, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, CFR expressed its immense appreciation to all company for becoming a member of the {bank} in celebrating this momentous event. He thanked the {bank}’s esteemed clients and shareholders for his or her belief, confidence and shared imaginative and prescient; the regulators, for his or her steering over time; his buddies and companions, for being a relentless supply of energy; the Zenith Bank household led by the distinctive Group Managing Diector/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for his or her loyalty and dedication; and his beloved spouse and household for his or her love and assist.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one among Africa’s main {financial} establishments with branches throughout the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja in addition to subsidiaries within the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a consultant workplace in China.
