Zenith Bank, on 15th of August 2025, brought together top banking stakeholders, heads of government, partners, customers and friends of the bank in a commemorative event as they celebrate remarkable 35 years of excellence in banking service delivery.
The event which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos had in attendance eminent personalities including the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON (a proud Zenith Bank alumnus), the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, the Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, Aliko Dangote GCON, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, along with former governors Peter Obi (Anambra State) and Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom State, also a Zenith Bank alumnus), alongside other distinguished dignitaries.
While speaking at the event, The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, didn’t spare any word that describe Zenith Bank exceptional performance in the Nigerian banking industry. He praised the Bank for instilling a culture of innovation and inbred integrity into Nigeria’s financial standards.
Shettima saluted the Chairman and Founder of the Zenith bank, Chief Jim Ovia, for his foresight, noting that long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Ovia had already woven it into the Nigerian banking system.
He said; “And so, as we gather to celebrate Zenith Bank at thirty-five, we are honouring a culture—a culture where innovation is instinct, where integrity is non-negotiable, and where service to humanity is as important as service to shareholders.
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“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I salute Zenith Bank; I honour Mr. Jim Ovia, and I commend Dame Adaora Umeoji. May the next thirty-five years find you still breaking barriers, still setting standards, and still proving that in Nigeria, greatness is not an exception—it is an expectation,”
The Vice President described Jim Ovia as a “master of foresight, the architect of dreams, the conjurer of possibilities, the alchemist who turns vision into gold—a magician whose wand is wisdom, whose stage is the future, and whose art is the transformation of an industry.
“He (Chief Ovia) saw the future of banking when most of us were still grappling with its present. Long before technology became the bloodstream of global finance, Jim Ovia had already woven it into the DNA of Nigerian banking.
“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. Yet his true signature is not only on the balance sheet. For Mr. Jim Ovia, the people make an institution,” Shettima said.
In her speech, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji OON, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, emphasized the place of loyal customers and staff commitment to bank’s enduring delivery of exceptional financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses. “Our success has been built on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our staff. Today, we not only celebrate 35 years of growth and excellence, but also the people who made this possible,” she said.
“In just 35 years, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings in a converted residential building to become a shining example of excellence in the Nigerian banking industry and a globally recognised financial institution.
“Zenith Bank is the most profitable bank in Nigeria, setting the standard for financial performance. Our tier-1 capital has remained the largest in the Nigerian banking industry for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating our unwavering financial strength and stability.
“We have a shareholders’ fund of N4.44 trillion, the highest in the Nigerian banking industry, reflecting investor trust and confidence. Our market capitalisation stands at three trillion naira, one of the largest in the Nigerian banking industry, showcasing our market leadership.”
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More about Zenith Bank
Founded in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown from humble beginnings into one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with a reputation for stability, innovation and outstanding customer service.
As of 1 April 2024, the bank holds more than $16.5bn in total assets, with shareholders’ equity of $854 million. Irrespective of the current economic inflation in Nigeria, the bank had ₦727.03 billion payment before tax (PBT) in H1 2024. It won the “Bank of the year award” and the “Retail Bank of the year” at the BAFI awards in October 2024.
In 1999, Zenith Bank embraced the use of the internet for marketing financial services and to promote the use of online banking by consumers and becoming one of the earliest companies to invest in online banking.
Zenith Bank has over 500 branches and business offices in commercial centers in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. In March 2007, Zenith Bank was licensed by the Financial Services Authority of the United Kingdom to establish Zenith Bank (UK) Limited as the UK subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc. Subsequently, in 2013, Zenith Bank listed $850 million worth of its shares at $6.80 each on the London Stock Exchange. Additionally, the bank has subsidiaries in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Gambia, as well as a representative office in the People’s Republic of China, as it expands into European and Asian markets.
Zenith Bank Plc is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) since October 21st, 2004. It is currently the eighth most valuable stock on the NGX with a market capitalization of NGN 2.97 trillion, which makes about 3.25% of the Nigerian Stock Exchange equity market.
