Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, on Friday, August 15, 2025, celebrated its 35th anniversary with a grand commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The glamorous ceremony brought together top dignitaries, customers, staff, regulators, and partners, with the bank recognising pioneer customers as well as long-serving employees who have dedicated 25 years and above to the institution.
Among the distinguished guests were Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shetima, GCON; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ondo State Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.
Also in attendance were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel, an alumnus of the bank.
In her address, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, praised the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his vision and integrity in building Zenith Bank into a global financial powerhouse.
Describing him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time,” she highlighted his foresight and commitment to excellence that positioned the bank as a trailblazer in the industry.
Vice President Kashim Shetima, an alumnus of the bank, lauded Ovia’s pioneering role in infusing technology into Nigeria’s banking landscape.
He noted: “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking. His greatest investment, however, has been in people transferring his experience and sense of adventure to generations of bankers and investors forged at Zenith Bank.”
In his remarks, Ovia expressed gratitude to the bank’s customers, shareholders, regulators, and staff for their unwavering trust and support over the years. He also acknowledged the leadership of Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji and thanked his family for their encouragement.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from modest beginnings into Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital, with a presence across all 36 states, the FCT, and international subsidiaries in the UK, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE, and a representative office in China.