In a moment of great honour and global recognition, Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, has been admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.
The ceremony took place last Monday at the historic Mansion House in the heart of the City of London.
This exceptional accolade celebrates Mr. Ovia’s towering contributions to the global financial ecosystem, his unwavering dedication to economic advancement, and his remarkable philanthropic efforts that continue to uplift lives across Africa and beyond.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition rooted in the 13th century, is among the oldest surviving ceremonial honours in the United Kingdom. Once conferring rights and privileges upon freemen within the city, the award today serves as a symbolic tribute to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the city of London or the wider world. With this honour, Mr. Ovia joins an elite circle of distinguished figures, including Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman, and Ian Wright.
Reflecting on the honour, Jim Ovia, CFR, said:
“It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team who have worked diligently to establish our institution as a leading force in global finance. I am proud to be part of a legacy that celebrates innovation, excellence and the spirit of entrepreneurship. I dedicate this to the people of Nigeria and Africa who continue to inspire me with their resilience and determination. I look forward to continuing to play a role in shaping the economic landscape of our great continent and beyond.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined the chorus of accolades, praising Mr. Ovia as a sterling ambassador of Nigeria’s private sector. In a congratulatory statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President hailed the honour as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Ovia’s pioneering influence in finance, innovation, and enterprise.
“This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations. As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise,” the President said.
The ceremony drew an illustrious gathering of dignitaries and well-wishers, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; the Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe; His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Group Managing Director of TGI Group, Rahul Savara and top executives of Zenith Bank, all gathered to celebrate a man whose legacy transcends borders.
Mr. Ovia’s latest honour adds to a long list of accolades he has received over the years. These include the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM), both conferred by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2022. He was named Banker of the Year in 2007 and Titan of the Year in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, and earned the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute. He also holds honorary doctorates from the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He is also recognised by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential figures in African banking.