President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated renowned Nigerian banker, entrepreneur and founder of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, on his 75th birthday, celebrating his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, economic growth, education and private-sector development.
In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, President Tinubu described Ovia as a visionary entrepreneur, accomplished banker and distinguished business leader whose dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence have helped shape Nigeria’s financial services sector.
The President particularly commended Ovia’s pioneering role in establishing Zenith Bank in the 1990s and transforming it into one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, with a significant presence across Africa, Europe and beyond.
Tinubu noted that Ovia’s remarkable journey demonstrates the importance of innovation, discipline, sound corporate governance and long-term investment in building enduring institutions and advancing national development.
Beyond his achievements in banking, Jim Ovia also occupies a significant position in Nigeria’s education sector as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), following his appointment by President Tinubu on April 26, 2024.
His appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his wealth of professional experience and leadership capacity to support the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan initiative, which seeks to expand access to higher education and skills development for Nigerian students, irrespective of their financial backgrounds.
Ovia’s academic credentials include an MBA from the University of Louisiana and an executive programme qualification from Harvard Business School, further complementing his decades of experience in business, finance and institutional leadership.
President Tinubu also acknowledged his contributions to digital infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, philanthropy and human capital development, particularly through initiatives that create opportunities for young Nigerians to realise their potential.
The President described Ovia’s entrepreneurial accomplishments as a reflection of how visionary leadership and sustained investment can contribute to economic prosperity and national transformation.
As the respected business leader celebrates this remarkable milestone, President Tinubu wished him continued good health, renewed strength and many more productive years of service to Nigeria and humanity.
Jim Ovia’s 75th birthday provides an opportunity to recognise his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s financial services industry and his involvement in advancing access to educational opportunities through NELFUND.
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