Zenith Bank Marks 35th Anniversary with Grand Celebration in Lagos
Zenith Bank marked its 35th anniversary with a grand Chairman’s Dinner in Lagos.
The celebration honored founder Jim Ovia and GMD Adaora Umeoji for shaping Nigeria’s largest bank.
Zenith Bank, a top-tier Nigerian financial institution, celebrated its 35th anniversary with a Chairman’s Dinner held at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos. The high-profile event drew dignitaries from across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The event honored the bank’s founder and chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, alongside its Group Managing Director, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, in recognition of their leadership and impact on Nigeria’s financial industry.


Speakers at the dinner highlighted Zenith Bank’s steady rise from its modest beginnings in 1990 to its current position as Nigeria’s largest bank by Tier-One capital, a title it has held for 16 consecutive years. The institution has also established a strong footprint in international markets, underscoring its influence beyond Nigeria’s borders.


The event spotlighted the bank’s long-standing values of innovation, integrity, and excellence, which have driven its consistent growth. Notably, several employees and customers who have been with the bank since its inception were honored, a gesture that emphasized Zenith’s commitment to its stakeholders.


Peter Obi, who attended the dinner, described the celebration as a testament to the vision and resilience of Dr. Ovia and the bank’s leadership team. In a post shared on X, he congratulated both Ovia and Umeoji for their role in building a globally respected institution.
“It was a time of celebration of the legendary founder of the institution, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, and Zenith Bank’s phenomenal successes,” Obi wrote. He also praised Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, the first female Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, for taking the institution “to new heights.”
Vice President Shettima and other dignitaries echoed similar sentiments, describing Zenith Bank as a model of corporate governance and financial innovation in Africa.
Dr. Ovia, often credited with pioneering Nigeria’s modern banking era, was celebrated for his vision in establishing an institution that has weathered economic turbulence while consistently expanding. Guests applauded his foresight in creating a bank that has become a household name in Africa’s financial services sector.
Umeoji, who assumed office earlier in 2024, was also recognized as a trailblazer. As the first female to lead the bank, she has been praised for her dynamic leadership style and commitment to expanding Zenith’s global reach.