ZENITH BANK CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY IN GRAND STYLE AND HONORS PIONEER CUSTOMERS AND LONG-SERVING EMPLOYEES
Amidst pomp and pageantry layered with a mixture of glitz and glamour, Zenith Bank PLC marked its 35th year anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, August 15, 2025.
In recognition of their immense contributions to the success of the brand, the bank also presented commemorative awards and plaques to pioneer customers and long-serving staff, to whom we have served meritoriously for 25 years and above.
Customers, current and former employees, regulators, partners, and friends were all present at the ceremony to commemorate the bank's 35 years of excellent and innovative banking services that have propelled the banking giant to the top of Nigeria's financial industry. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Kashim Shettima, and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, were among the prominent individuals who attended the event. Ondo State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Prof. Agbu Kefas, Borno State Governor Rt. Babagana Zulum, Delta Governor Hon. The Deputy Governor, Sir, effectively represented Sheriff Oboreswori. Monday Onyeme; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel (also an alumnus of Zenith Bank).
In her welcome address, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR for his foundational role in building the structures for what has today become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through sheer tenacity, foresight, and uncompromising integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today”.
In his goodwill message, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, a proud alumnus of the bank, praised the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR for being at the heart of the very successful brand that today stands as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. He says, "Long before technology became the blood of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of the Nigerian banking industry." He introduced innovation not as a fashion but as a philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not an ambition but a standard. However, his actual signature extends beyond the balance sheet. For Jim Ovia, the people make an institution. His greatest investment has been in human capital, which he has done by passing on his knowledge and adventurous spirit to subsequent generations of bankers and investors trained at Zenith Bank. Jim Ovia, CFR, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, also addressed the gathering and expressed the bank's sincere gratitude to all attendees for participating in this significant occasion. He thanked the bank’s esteemed customers and shareholders for their trust, confidence and shared vision; the regulators, for their guidance over the years; his friends and partners, for being a constant source of strength; the Zenith Bank family led by the exceptional Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, for their loyalty and commitment; and his beloved wife and family for their love and support.
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions with branches across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja as well as subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, France, UAE and a representative office in China.
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