Shareholders hail Jim Ovia’s legacy at Zenith Bank

Shareholders have commended the retired Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, for his contributions to the growth of the bank and the transformation of  the banking industry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ovia retired on May 5, 2026 after serving the mandatory 12 years as chairman.

This was in line with the regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The shareholders, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN on Sunday, said Ovia’s visionary leadership positioned Zenith Bank among the leading financial institutions in Nigeria and beyond.

Boniface Okezie, the National Coordinator of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said he played a major role in modernising banking operations and introducing technology-driven services in the industry.

“He transformed the banking landscape through technology-driven services at a time when people had almost lost hope in the banking industry,” he said.

According to Okezie, Zenith Bank consistently rewarded shareholders through strong dividend payments and capital appreciation.

“Zenith Bank today remains one of the strongest banks in the country because of the solid foundation he laid,” he said.

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Okezie added that Ovia’s retirement would not create a vacuum because the bank had built strong corporate governance structures and competent management teams.

Moses Igbrude, the National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, described Ovia as a banker who had “come, conquered and delivered value”.

He said: “He has done very well in restructuring and positioning the bank. Zenith Bank has remained consistent in paying good dividends to shareholders.”

Igbrude expressed optimism that the bank would sustain its performance under a new leadership.

The Chairperson of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Adetutu Shiyanbola, described Ovia’s achievements as outstanding.

“He built a strong institution and laid a foundation that will continue to support the growth of the bank,” Shiyanbola said.

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