Zenith Bank Plc marked a major milestone on Friday, August 15, 2025, as it celebrated its 35th anniversary with a grand commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including customers, staff, regulators, partners, and friends, who all came together to celebrate the bank’s excellent and innovative banking services that have propelled it to the peak of Nigeria’s financial industry.
The event was graced by several eminent personalities, including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Aliko Dangote, and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel.
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, praised the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognized financial institution.
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”.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, a proud alumnus of the bank, also praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital.
He noted that Jim Ovia 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.
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, expressed his immense appreciation to all guests for joining the bank in celebrating this momentous occasion.
He 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 the exceptional Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
As part of the celebrations, the bank presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff who have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.
This gesture is a testament to the bank’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding the contributions of its stakeholders to its success.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings 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 bank’s 35-year journey is a testament to its resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the financial services industry.
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