Jim Ovia is a renowned Nigerian businessman, author, and philanthropist. He founded Zenith Bank, Nigeria’s leading bank, and has greatly influenced the nation’s banking and technology sectors. Known as the “Godfather of Banking,” Jim Ovia is celebrated for his innovative ideas, philanthropy, and contributions to education and economic growth.
| Common Name | Jim Ovia |
| Full Name | Jim James Ovia |
| Age | 73 years old (as of 2024) |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 195 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Businessman, Author, Philanthropist |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Igbo |
| State of Origin | Delta |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Net Worth | $980 million |
Table of Contents
Jim Ovia Biography
Jim James Ovia, born on November 4, 1951, in Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria, is a renowned businessman, philanthropist, and author. After losing his father at age four, his older siblings supported his education. He later moved to Lagos, worked as a bank clerk, and pursued higher education in the United States. Widely known as the “Godfather of Banking” in Nigeria, he is the founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest and most successful banks. His journey of resilience and innovation has earned him numerous accolades and global recognition.
Jim Ovia Educational Background
Jim Ovia attended Southern University, Louisiana, where he earned a B.Sc. in Business Administration in 1977. He later obtained an MBA from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, in 1979. Additionally, he is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program (OPM).
Jim Ovia Career
Jim Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 with $4 million in shareholders’ funds. Under his leadership, Zenith Bank grew to become one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, boasting over $16 billion in assets. Key milestones in his career include:
- Transitioning to the position of Chairman in 2010 after serving as Managing Director for 20 years.
- Overseeing the bank’s listing on the London Stock Exchange and issuance of a $500 million Eurobond in 2017.
- Established Visafone Communications Limited, later sold to MTN, Africa’s largest telecom company.
- Founding Cyberspace Network Limited and serving as Chairman of the Nigerian Software Development Initiative.
- Founding and leading philanthropic initiatives such as the Jim Ovia Foundation and James Hope College.
Also Read: Tony Elumelu Biography, Net Worth, Foundation
Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank, founded in 1990 by Jim Ovia, is one of the largest and most profitable banks in Nigeria and Africa. Headquartered in Lagos, the bank offers a range of financial services, including retail banking, corporate banking, and investment banking. Zenith Bank is known for its innovative banking solutions and its ability to leverage technology for enhanced customer experience.
Over the years, Zenith Bank has earned numerous accolades for its performance, including being listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and recognized for its consistent profitability. It is known for its strong market presence in Nigeria and expanding into other African markets, such as Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the United Kingdom.
Jim Ovia Awards
Jim Ovia has received numerous honors for his contributions to banking, education, and philanthropy, including:
- Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022.
- National awards of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2000 and Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) in 2011.
- Honorary degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
- Banker of the Year by ThisDay Newspaper (2007).
- Recognition by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian banking.
Jim Ovia Age
Jim Ovia was born on November 4, 1951, he is 73 years old as of 2024.
Jim Ovia’s Personal Life
Jim Ovia is from the Agbor-Obi community in Delta State. He is known for his commitment to education, philanthropy, and empowering Nigerian youth through technology and entrepreneurship.
Also Read: Johann Rupert Biography, Age, Salary, Net Worth
Jim Ovia Tribe
Jim Ovia is from the Igbo tribe, one of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups. He hails from Agbor, a prominent kingdom in Ika South, Delta State. Agbor is the largest Ika community and is located near Benin City, reflecting its close cultural and geographical ties to the region.
Jim Ovia Wife
Jim Ovia is married to Kay Ovia, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder of Quantum Markets and a strong supporter of her husband’s philanthropic initiatives.
Jim Ovia Children
Jim and Kay Ovia have five children. The family maintains a private life while contributing significantly to societal development through their foundation.
Also Read: Dr. Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile Biography, Age
Jim Ovia Private Jet
Jim Ovia is reported to own a Gulfstream G650ER private jet, symbolizing his business success. Recently, Nigerian Customs grounded this jet due to unpaid import duties, part of a larger crackdown on over 60 private aircraft in the country. The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) launched the enforcement campaign to recover over NGN 260 billion (around $159.4 million) in unpaid duties, after identifying numerous foreign-registered aircraft used by influential figures such as business executives and bankers. In response, some aircraft owners have already paid large sums to clear their obligations and avoid further disruptions, with one bank paying NGN 5.3 billion ($3.2 million) to resolve its duty payment issues.
Jim Ovia Net Worth
Jim Ovia has an estimated net worth of about $980 million as of 2024. His wealth comes from his leadership in banking, investments in real estate, insurance, and telecommunications.
Jim Ovia’s Social Media Handles
Jim Ovia is generally private but occasionally shares updates on his work and philanthropy through his foundation’s social media accounts. These platforms provide insights into his business and charitable efforts.
- X (Twitter): @jimoviafoundatn
- LinkedIn: Jim Ovia Foundation
- Instagram: @jimoviafoundation
- Facebook: Jim Ovia Foundation
- Website: www.jimoviafoundation.org.
Jim Ovia’s Book
Jim Ovia’s book Africa Rise and Shine: How a Nigerian Entrepreneur from Humble Beginnings Grew a Business to $16 Billion provides an inspiring look into his journey as a self-made businessman. In this memoir, Ovia shares his experiences, lessons, and vision for Africa’s growth. It delves into his personal story, from his early life in Nigeria to building Zenith Bank into one of Africa’s largest financial institutions. The book also offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and the importance of leadership in transforming Africa’s business landscape.
Through this book, Ovia aims to change the narrative of African entrepreneurship, showing how individuals can succeed by using their skills to overcome challenges and build impactful businesses. It has been praised for its candid reflections on business challenges and its strong belief in the potential of African economies.
For more details or to purchase the book, visit Amazon or Jim Ovia Foundation.