Shettima hails Zenith Bank at 35th anniversary, praises founder Jim Ovia’s vision
…VP says bank’s culture of innovation, integrity has shaped Nigerian finance
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Zenith Bank for its culture of innovation and integrity, describing the institution as a force that has transformed Nigeria’s banking industry and set global standards.
Speaking on Saturday at the bank’s 35th anniversary celebration in Lagos, Shettima lauded founder and chairman, Chief Jim Ovia, for “weaving technology into the DNA of Nigerian banking long before it became the bloodstream of global finance.”
“Zenith Bank has not only guarded Nigeria’s wealth but nurtured her dreams, making it the nation’s largest bank by Tier-One capital for 16 consecutive years,” he said. “This institution represents a culture where innovation is instinct, integrity is non-negotiable, and service to humanity is as important as service to shareholders.”
Shettima, a former banker with Zenith, described the bank as a family united by vision rather than contracts, adding that its success reflected “baton-passing with trust and received with grace.” He also applauded the appointment of Dr. Adaora Umeoji as the bank’s first female Group Managing Director/CEO, noting that she “blends strategic vision with the soft power of empathy.”
Praising Ovia’s foresight, Shettima said he saw the future of banking when many were still grappling with its present, introducing innovation “not as fashion but as philosophy, placing Zenith Bank on a path where excellence is not ambition but standard.”
In her remarks, Umeoji highlighted Zenith’s leadership in the financial sector, with a market capitalisation of ₦3 trillion and shareholders’ funds of ₦4.44 trillion — the highest in the Nigerian banking industry. “In just 35 years, Zenith has grown from humble beginnings in a converted residential building to a globally recognised financial institution,” she said.
Chief Ovia thanked Shettima and other dignitaries for their support, assuring customers of the bank’s commitment to even better service delivery.
The event was attended by top government officials and business leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Taraba State Governor Kefas Agbu, as well as the representative of the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
