Tinubu, Oborevwori hail Jim Ovia at 75 as Zenith Bank founder marks birthday
- President Bola Tinubu and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori don congratulate Jim Ovia as e turn 75.
- Both of dem praise di Agbor-born Zenith Bank founder for how e shape Nigeria banking sector and support young people.
- Ovia, wey be businessman and philanthropist, mark di milestone on November 4.
President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori don congratulate Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, as e turn 75.
Ovia, wey come from Agbor in Delta State, mark di birthday on November 4. Both messages come out on Wednesday through dia spokesmen — Bayo Onanuga, di President Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and Feston Ahon, di governor Chief Press Secretary.
Tinubu describe Ovia as visionary entrepreneur wey im drive and discipline grow Zenith Bank from wen dem found am in di 1990s into one of Nigeria leading banks, with presence for Africa, Europe and beyond.
"Mr Ovia dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence no only grow Zenith Bank into banking behemoth but also help di growth of di Nigerian financial services sector," di President talk.
Di President also give Ovia credit for im contributions to digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, education, youth empowerment and philanthropy, and wish am good health and more years of service.
Delta governor message
Oborevwori call Ovia worthy ambassador of Delta State, and praise im role in transforming di country financial sector through innovation and sound leadership.
Di governor also point to Ovia investments outside banking — in education, entrepreneurship and security — and im efforts to empower young people through philanthropy.
"Dr. Jim Ovia na quintessential entrepreneur wey im foresight and leadership no only transform Nigeria banking sector but also empower countless individuals and institutions," Oborevwori talk.
He join Ovia family, friends and associates to celebrate di milestone and pray for im continued good health and wisdom.
Why e matter
Zenith Bank na one of Nigeria biggest lenders and major employer, and dem dey often cite im founder story as example of homegrown business success. For everyday Nigerians, di bank reach dey affect savings, loans and payments, while im founder philanthropy don fund scholarships and youth programmes.
Birthday messages from di President and a state governor na mark of di standing Ovia get for Nigerian business and public life.
