We are dedicating our personality space this week to a very distinguished Deltan, a business mogul, philanthropist, and successful banker. He is Mr Jim Ovia.
As we all know, Mr Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, known as one of Africa’s largest and most profitable financial institutions of our time.
On November 4, 2025, he marked his 74th birthday, but as it is customary with him, he did so in a low-key manner with a quiet family dinner, surrounded by loved ones. Perhaps his decision to make it low-key is in line with his private nature and choice to keep personal milestones out of the spotlight.
Those who are familiar with him say Mr Jim Ovia is not only an easy-going personality, but one who does not make noise, even in the face of achieving remarkable feats. He would keep it low and simple. That’s the stuff he is made of.
Information has it that when he turned 69, he celebrated it similarly, a low-key approach, with family members. That is his private nature, some may say. Yes, you may give it to him. Jim Ovia prefers to keep things simple and modest; perhaps it is his way of expressing humility and not craving validation from others. He, therefore, preferred to keep his 74th birthday low profile.
Regardless of his decision to celebrate it that way, this successful banker and businessman, Jim Ovia, could not escape the “Microscopic lens” of the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who described him as a visionary leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking industry.
The governor described Jim Ovia’s life and career as an inspiration to millions of Nigerians, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the financial sector and pioneering innovations that have redefined modern banking. In particular, Governor Oborevwori commended him for his excellence, commitment to corporate governance, and youth empowerment, through his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, entrepreneurship, and security.
Information in the public space says Jim Ovia lost his father at a young age, but by the grace of God and support from his mother and siblings, he was able to go to school. He earned a Bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration, and he is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
As Founder of Zenith Bank, the bank has grown to become one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with over 16 billion dollars in assets and a presence in many countries of the world – the UK, China, Ghana, Dubai, the Gambia, and many others. He served as the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for two decades before transitioning to chairman in 2010.
Aside from his successful banking career, Jim Ovia is the Founder of the Jim Ovia Foundation, giving scholarships to the less privileged students. He is also the Founder of the Youth Empowerment and ICT Foundation, which is focused on promoting Information and Communication Technology among Nigerian youths.
In recognition and appreciation of his immense contributions to banking, philanthropy, education, and youth empowerment development, he has been honoured with many awards. Among them are national honours – Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), and Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).
I think that what stands out for Jim Ovia is his youth empowerment programmes, primarily implemented through the Jim Ovia Foundation.
It is often said that “Education is the future”. This underscores the importance of investing in education and the development of the younger generation, as they are the future. Little wonder, therefore, the Jim Ovia Foundation is out to shape the future of the youth, through guidance, knowledge-sharing, and mentorship.
The Foundation has four main intervention arms, namely, James Hope College in Agbor, Delta State, which provides world-class facilities at subsidised fees for quality education.
The second is the Jim Ovia ICT Entrepreneurs Programme, a 12-month programme that empowers budding entrepreneurs to tap into Africa’s emerging ICT market and offers training and funding of up to 30,000 dollars for innovative ideas.
The third is the Jim Ovia scholarship, a merit and need-based scholarship programme that supports outstanding Nigerian undergraduates in accredited universities, with full tuition coverage and maintenance allowances; while the fourth is the Empower Youth Programme. This is an initiative that familiarises children aged six-10 with the digital age through ICT training. This is designed to bridge the digital divide and promote early intervention in education.
Interestingly, these programmes we were told have positively impacted over 1,500 students and entrepreneurs, and provided over one billion Naira in education and entrepreneurial grants.
