The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, has been granted the prestigious Freedom of the City of London in a distinguished ceremony held at the Mansion House, City of London, on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
This esteemed accolade is a recognition of Mr. Ovia’s exceptional contributions to the global financial sector, his steadfast commitment to promoting economic growth, and his dedication to philanthropic endeavours that have positively impacted numerous lives.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition that dates back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving ceremonies in the United Kingdom. Originally, it conferred certain rights and privileges to freemen within the city. Today, it serves as a symbolic recognition of individuals who have made remarkable contributions to London or society at large.
This honour places Mr. Ovia alongside a distinguished group of recipients, including figures such as Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman, and Ian Wright.
Reflecting on his new status as a Freeman of the City of London, Jim Ovia, CFR, expressed his gratitude, saying, “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 tribute 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.”
Joining in congratulating Mr. Ovia, President Bola Tinubu, through a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended Mr. Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of Nigeria’s private sector.
The President described the honour as a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.
He stated, “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 ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including 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 Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; Group Managing Director, TGI Group of Companies, Rahul Savara; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR; and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, all of whom joined Zenith Bank executives in celebrating this remarkable milestone.
This well-deserved recognition follows many other prestigious awards that Mr. Ovia has received for his outstanding contributions to banking, education, and philanthropy. These include his conferment as Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and his receipt of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in 2022 by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He was also named Banker of the Year in 2007 and Titan of the Year in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper, as well as receiving the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute. He has been awarded honorary degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was recognised by Forbes Africa as one of the most influential figures in banking.