Zenith Bank Plc on Friday, 15 August 2025, marked its 35th anniversary with a commemorative Chairman’s Dinner at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The evening, marked by pomp and ceremony, brought together the bank’s key stakeholders, including pioneer customers, past and present staff, regulators, partners, and friends. Awards and plaques were presented to customers and employees who have contributed significantly to the institution’s growth, with particular recognition given to staff members who have served for 25 years and above.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas; Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum; and the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Also present were Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, and former governors Peter Obi and Udom Emmanuel, himself an alumnus of Zenith Bank.

In her welcome address, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, applauded the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for laying the foundations of what has become both a Nigerian and global banking success story. She described him as “the Godfather of modern banking and the Nostradamus of our time, who through tenacity, foresight and integrity transformed a modest vision into the financial powerhouse we celebrate today.”

Delivering his goodwill message, Vice President Shettima, also a former staff member of the bank, praised Mr Ovia for positioning Zenith as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital. “Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking,” he said. “For him, people make an institution, and his greatest investment has been in human capital—passing on knowledge, discipline, and ambition to generations of bankers and investors.”

In his remarks, Mr Ovia expressed gratitude to customers, shareholders, regulators, partners, and staff for their unwavering support, as well as to his family for their encouragement over the years. He noted that the milestone was a testament to the collective vision and commitment of the entire Zenith Bank family.

Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with operations across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The bank also maintains subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, France and the United Arab Emirates, alongside a representative office in China.