ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE AUGUST 2023

undergraduate and graduate
studies. Also, the Jim Ovia ICT
Entrepreneurs programme
nurtures the most promising
ideas through funding
opportunities.
Through the Jim Ovia
Foundation, Ovia has funded
1,500 scholarships totalling
an impressive N100 million
($200,000) since 2010. The ripple
effects of Ovia’s philanthropic
efforts will extend far beyond
the realm of academia. The
foundation also supports
IT skills programmes for
marginalized young people
in collaboration with
esteemed partners such as
IBM and Google. Through his
scholarships and support
programmes, he is nurturing
the next generation of leaders,
innovators, and changemakers.
Beyond banking and
philanthropy, Ovia has
made notable strides in
the telecommunications
industry. He founded Visafone
Communications Limited, which
has since been acquired by
MTN, further solidifying his
entrepreneurial prowess.
Net Worth
Jim Ovia has solidified his
position as one of Nigeria’s
wealthiest bankers. According
to Forbes, his estimated net
worth stands at $550 million. In
2014, Jim Ovia emerged as the
34th wealthiest human in Africa.
Beyond his accomplishments in
the financial sector, Jim Ovia’s
interests extend to the realm of
iconic architecture.
He has made significant
contributions to Nigeria’s
hospitality sector through
the development of the Civic
Centre and Aquamarine Boat
Club. With his diverse portfolio
of successful ventures, Jim Ovia
continues to leave an indelible
mark as a prominent figure in
Nigerian business circles.
Honours &
Awards
The impact of Jim Ovia’s
accomplishments has not gone
unnoticed. In recognition of his
exceptional contributions, Ovia
was honoured with the Nigerian
national honour of Commander
of the Order of the Federal
Republic (CFR) in October 2022,
bestowed upon him by former
President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Jim Ovia has also received
a series of accolades in
the form of honourary
doctorate degrees from
esteemed universities. One
such momentous occasion
took place in 2012 when the
University of Benin bestowed
him an honourary doctorate
degree, symbolizing his
remarkable achievements.
To add another feather to
his cap, in September 2018,
Ovia proudly announced
the publication of his book,
“Africa, Rise and Shine.”
Published with Forbes Books,
this illuminating work shares
reflections from a visionary
leader who has witnessed,
first-hand, the transformative
power of determination and
entrepreneurship in Africa.
As we look to the future, we
can only imagine the continued
impact Jim Ovia will have on
the African continent and the
world at large.
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