The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, was on Monday, April 7, 2025, conferred with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his outstanding contributions to business, innovation, and technology.
The ceremony took place at the historic Guildhall, following the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit, and drew high-profile figures from across Nigeria and the international community.
L-R Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Zenith Bank Chairman and Founder, Jim Ovia
Among the dignitaries present were the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and industrialist Aliko Dangote. Their presence reflected the national significance of the honour and the deep respect Ovia commands in both leadership and business circles.
R-L Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also extended his congratulations in a public statement, describing the honour as a well-earned recognition of Ovia’s excellence and visionary leadership.
“His pioneering work in Nigeria’s financial sector and global business has made him a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector,” the president said. “This recognition underscores the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise.”
Jim Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 and has grown it into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions. He is the bank’s chairman and its largest individual shareholder, with a stake of just over 9%. His business interests also include prime real estate across the country and Visafone, a mobile telecom operator with three million subscribers.
The event was marked by cheers and applause, not just for Ovia’s personal achievements, but for what his story represents — the global reach and relevance of Nigerian enterprise.
