ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE AUGUST 2023

REPORTAGE
Zenith Bank
With unwavering focus
on excellence, Zenith Bank
spread its wings, expanding
its operations to various
nations across the globe.
Undoubtedly, one of Ovia’s
crowning achievements is the
establishment of Zenith Bank,
which has emerged as one of
Nigeria’s largest commercial
banks. As the founder, he
propelled the institution
to great heights, leading
it to become a formidable
player in the financial sector.
Remarkably, even after
stepping down as CEO, Ovia
remains intimately involved
as the chairman and largest
individual shareholder, with a
stake exceeding 9%.
From the vibrant shores
of Ghana to the captivating
beauty of Sierra Leone, and
even the picturesque Gambia,
Zenith Bank established
a formidable presence,
captivating hearts and winning
the trust of customers far and
wide. Not content with limiting
itself to the African continent,
this institution set sail to distant
shores, venturing into the
economic power-houses of the
ever-dynamic United Kingdom.
But Zenith Bank’s ambitions
didn’t stop at conventional
banking alone. It embraced the
spirit of innovation, diversifying
its offerings to cater to a
multitude of financial needs.
Like a versatile maestro, the
bank extended its expertise
to embrace the realms of
insurance, pensions, stock
broking, and investment
banking. With each expansion,
Zenith Bank demonstrated its
commitment to prowviding
comprehensive financial
solutions, transforming the lives
of individuals, businessews, and
communities.
Philosophy
Jim Ovia has built his
philosophy on the foundation
of integrity. In a past
interview, he emphasized the
significance of integrity in
creating a reputable brand
and leveraging innovation.
According to Ovia, integrity
means that your word is your
bond. It involves respecting
corporate governance,
upholding the rule of law, and
honouring contracts.
Even in situations where
a contract may no longer be
favourable, Ovia believes that
it is essential to uphold the
commitment and honour the
agreement. This unwavering
commitment to integrity is
deeply embedded in the
culture of Zenith Bank, and Ovia
believes it should be a guiding
principle for all organizations
seeking to drive innovation.
Business &
Philanthropy
Jim Ovia’s influence extends
beyond the boardroom and
spreads throughout Nigeria. His
philanthropic endeavours set
him apart as a visionary leader.
In 1998, he established
the Jim Ovia Scholars
programme, providing aid to
exceptional students pursuing
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