Godfather of banking, Jim Ovia, admitted to the Freedom of the Metropolis of London
The Founder and Chairman of Zenith {Bank} Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, has been admitted to the celebrated Freedom of the Metropolis of London in a distinguished ceremony which held on the Mansion Home, Metropolis of London on Monday, April 7, 2025.
This prestigious accolade is a testomony to Mr. Ovia’s distinctive contributions to the worldwide {financial} panorama, unwavering dedication to fostering {economic} growth, and dedication to philanthropic endeavours which have positively impacted numerous lives.
The Freedom of the Metropolis of London, a time-honoured custom courting again to the thirteenth century, is among the oldest surviving ceremonies in the UK.
Traditionally, it granted freemen sure rights and privileges inside the metropolis. As we speak, it stands as a symbolic recognition of people who’ve made excellent contributions to London or the broader society. This honour locations Mr. Ovia amongst a distinguished group of recipients, which incorporates notable figures from varied fields comparable to Nelson Mandela, Invoice Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman and Ian Wright.
Commenting on his new standing as a Freeman of the Metropolis of London, the distinguished honoree, Jim Ovia, CFR mentioned “It’s certainly an ideal honour to be admitted to the celebrated Freedom of the Metropolis of London. This isn’t only a recognition of my private achievements, but additionally a testomony to the tireless efforts of the whole Zenith crew who’ve labored diligently to ascertain our establishment as a number one drive in international finance. I’m proud to be a part of a legacy that celebrates innovation, excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship. I dedicate this to the individuals of Nigeria and Africa who proceed to encourage me with their resilience and dedication. I stay up for persevering with to play a job in shaping the {economic} panorama of our nice continent and past.”
Becoming a member of the nation in congratulating Mr. Ovia, President Bola Tinubu, by way of a press assertion by the Particular Adviser to the President on Info and Technique, Bayo Onanuga, counseled Mr. Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s personal sector. He described the honour as a becoming recognition of his distinctive contributions to enterprise, innovation, and expertise, in addition to for his position in shaping Nigeria’s {financial} panorama and strengthening {economic} ties between Africa and the remainder of the world.
In line with him, “This honour is a testomony to your unwavering dedication to excellence, your pioneering position within the progress of the {financial} companies sector in Nigeria, and your visionary management that continues to encourage generations. As an completed entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven growth, your recognition within the Metropolis of London affirms the worldwide relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”.
Dignitaries on the ceremony embody Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sherrif Oborevwori; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Trade, Commerce and Funding, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR; Minister of State for International Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Group Managing Director, TGI Group of Firms, Rahul Savara; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who joined Zenith {Bank} Executives in celebrating this important milestone.
This well-deserved recognition rides on the again of many different prestigious awards that Mr. Ovia has obtained for his excellent contributions to banking, schooling and philanthropy together with conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) & Nationwide Productiveness Order of Advantage (NPOM) Award in 2022 by the Federal Authorities of Nigeria. He was additionally named the Banker of the Yr in 2007 and Titan of the yr in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, and obtained the African Enterprise Chief Award from the Africa-America Institute. He obtained honorary levels from the College of Lagos in addition to from the College of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was acknowledged by Forbes Africa as probably the most influential figures in banking.
