Tinubu, Oborevwori hail Jim Ovia at 75 as Zenith Bank founder marks birthday
- President Bola Tinubu and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have congratulated Jim Ovia on turning 75.
- Both praised the Agbor-born Zenith Bank founder for shaping Nigeria's banking sector and supporting young people.
- Ovia, a businessman and philanthropist, marked the milestone on November 4.
President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori have congratulated Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, as he turns 75.
Ovia, who is from Agbor in Delta State, marked the birthday on November 4. Both messages were issued on Wednesday through spokesmen — Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and Festus Ahon, the governor's Chief Press Secretary.
Tinubu described Ovia as a visionary entrepreneur whose drive and discipline grew Zenith Bank from its founding in the 1990s into one of Nigeria's leading banks, with a presence in Africa, Europe and beyond.
"Mr Ovia's dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence have not only grown Zenith Bank into a banking behemoth but also helped the growth of the Nigerian financial services sector," the President said.
The President also credited Ovia with contributions to digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, education, youth empowerment and philanthropy, and wished him good health and more years of service.
Delta governor's message
Oborevwori called Ovia a worthy ambassador of Delta State, praising his role in transforming the country's financial sector through innovation and sound leadership.
The governor also pointed to Ovia's investments outside banking — in education, entrepreneurship and security — and his efforts to empower young people through philanthropy.
"Dr. Jim Ovia is a quintessential entrepreneur whose foresight and leadership have not only transformed Nigeria's banking sector but also empowered countless individuals and institutions," Oborevwori said.
He joined Ovia's family, friends and associates in celebrating the milestone and prayed for his continued good health and wisdom.
Why it matters
Zenith Bank is one of Nigeria's biggest lenders and a major employer, and its founder's story is often cited as an example of homegrown business success. For everyday Nigerians, the bank's reach affects savings, loans and payments, while its founder's philanthropy has funded scholarships and youth programmes.
Birthday messages from the President and a state governor are a mark of the standing Ovia holds in Nigerian business and public life.
