Godfather of Banking, Jim Ovia, Admitted to the Freedom of the City of London
London, UK – April 10, 2025 – Jim Ovia, the revered founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, has been admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London, a historic honor recognizing his monumental contributions to global finance, economic development, and philanthropy. The distinguished ceremony took place on Monday, April 7, at the Mansion House in the heart of London’s financial district, cementing Ovia’s status as a towering figure in Nigeria’s banking landscape and beyond.
Often dubbed the “Godfather of Banking” for his transformative role in modernizing Nigeria’s financial sector, Ovia received the accolade amid a gathering of dignitaries, including former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and business titan Aliko Dangote. The Freedom of the City, a tradition dating back to 1237, once granted medieval freemen trading rights but today serves as a symbolic tribute to individuals who have profoundly impacted society. Ovia joins an elite roster of recipients, including Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, and Winston Churchill.
“This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team,” Ovia said in his acceptance remarks. “I dedicate this to the people of Nigeria and Africa, who inspire me with their resilience. I remain committed to shaping the economic landscape of our continent.” His words reflect a career defined by innovation—Zenith Bank, under his leadership, became Nigeria’s first to report a trillion-naira profit in 2024—and a legacy of giving, through initiatives like the Jim Ovia Foundation, which has funded education for thousands.
President Bola Tinubu hailed Ovia as “a distinguished ambassador of Nigeria’s private sector,” noting in a statement via adviser Bayo Onanuga that the honor underscores his “pioneering role in the financial services sector and visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations.” Tinubu’s praise aligns with sentiments on X, where users lauded Ovia’s global influence, one writing, “From Lagos to London, Jim Ovia’s impact is undeniable.”
The ceremony caps a stellar year for Ovia, who also received the Titan of the Year award from ThisDay in 2024, adding to honors like the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 2022. As Zenith Bank thrives—boasting a market cap exceeding ₦1.5 trillion—Ovia’s admission to this ancient fraternity signals not just personal triumph but a bridge between Africa’s economic rise and the world’s financial capitals. For the man who turned a modest bank into a continental powerhouse, this is a gilded milestone in a career that keeps redefining excellence.
