Shareholders have praised the retired Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, for his role in transforming the bank into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions and redefining the country’s banking landscape through innovation and strong corporate leadership.
Ovia retired on May 5 after completing the mandatory 12-year tenure as chairman in line with regulations of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Speaking in separate interviews on Sunday, shareholder groups described his stewardship as visionary, saying he laid a solid foundation that positioned Zenith Bank among Africa’s top-performing banks.
National Coordinator of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, said Ovia revolutionised banking operations by embracing technology-driven services at a time when public confidence in the banking sector was low.
“He transformed the banking landscape through technology-driven services at a time when people had almost lost hope in the banking industry,” Okezie said.
He added that Zenith Bank consistently rewarded investors through strong dividend payouts and capital appreciation over the years.
“Zenith Bank today remains one of the strongest banks in the country because of the solid foundation he laid,” he stated.
Okezie also expressed confidence that the bank would sustain its growth trajectory despite Ovia’s exit, citing strong corporate governance structures and experienced management teams already in place.
Similarly, National Coordinator of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Moses Igbrude, described Ovia as a banker who “came, conquered, and delivered value.”
“He has done very well in restructuring and positioning the bank. Zenith Bank has remained consistent in paying good dividends to shareholders,” he said.
Igbrude expressed optimism that the bank would continue to perform strongly under new leadership.
Also reacting, Chairperson of the Highly Favoured Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Adetutu Shiyanbola, described Ovia’s achievements at Zenith Bank as remarkable.
“He built a strong institution and laid a foundation that will continue to support the growth of the bank,” she said.