Nigerian entrepreneurs have continued making waves on a global scale as Jim Ovia receives AAI 2017 Business Award. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (1977). This follows the final approval of interim dividend in N9.4 billion at N0.30 per share The Jim Ovia Foundation Mission The Jim Ovia Foundation was launched with the aim of investing in the unlimited potential of the youths of Nigeria - and using this investment as a key to the social and economic growth of the nation. He is also the founder of Visafone Communications Limited which has over Biography & Success Story Of Jim Ovia: Founder And CEO Of Zenith Bank. READ ALSO: CBN’s heterodox policies buoys credit growth. In each step we took from the first days to today innovation–keeping […], They say, don’t judge a book by its cover. Jim further went on to work for the International Merchant Bank (IMB) in 1980, after his compulsory youth service year, where he worked his way up from the position of a financial analyst to the bank manager. Jim Ovia is the pioneer Managing Director / CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria and Africa’s largest banks by Shareholders’ Funds. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Jim’s outstanding talents and accomplishments were recognised on various occasions. For Ovia, his way of grooming the next generation is with these arms. 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Today, Zenith bank remains one of the most successful banks in Nigeria. In time, the couple could no longer bear the noise that came with being a bank’s neighbour, and moved out, allowing the bank more room to work. Jim Ovia Chairman, Zenith Bank ... in 2017 was mainly driven by increase in Portfolio Investment, which went up by $5.5 billion from the previous … Recognizing his business leadership and his philanthropy, the African-American Institute (AAI), awarded the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, with the AAI 2017 Business Leader Award a few days ago, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations […] Business Administration Class of 2022 Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship. Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest bank with over $17.6 billion in assets ast at 31 December 2019.. Zenith Bank is listed on the London Stock Exchange as well as on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia is a global thought leader in the field of banking, entrepreneurship and business growth. Zenith Bank was built on innovation. Leading the pack is Jim Ovia, chairman of Zenith Bank, who will earn N1.52 billion in interim dividend as the largest shareholder in Nigeria’s most profitable bank as at June 30. Private institutions were required to provide a chief executive with at least ten years of banking experience, raise the capital necessary and set up the requisite physical and governance structure, and Jim Ovia qualified for all of this. Mr. Ovia is Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc (which he founded in 1990), Chairman at Zenith Bank (UK) Ltd. (a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc), Chairman for Nigeria Software Development … I come from Mulang, a small Community located in the City of Bamenda in the North West Region of Cameroon. His message is inspiring entrepreneurs and investors worldwide to cultivate their passion, follow their instincts, and act with courage as they pursue business ventures that reach beyond their wildest dreams. Jim Ovia was born on the 4th of November, 1951 to the large family of Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, in Agbor, Delta State. This is the success story of Jim Ovia, a Nigerian banking magnate whom though not born with a silver spoon went on to build a multi-billion dollar business. Jim Ovia is one of Nigeria’s most successful and wealthiest businessmen. Even then, it had become glaring to him that technology would change the way business was done in the coming decades. After the deregulation of the banking sector in the 1980s, Jim Ovia cooperated with some other partners and applied for a banking license. He’s probably right. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A in 19… Professional Business Plans For Your Success, View startuptipsdaily’s profile on Facebook, View startuptipdaily’s profile on Twitter, View startuptipsdaily’s profile on Instagram, View 112684232616485826000’s profile on Google+, How This Nigerian Entrepreneur Built A Multi-Billion Dollar Bank From A Garage, Still Looking For Funds? Jim Ovia returned to Nigeria after his university education and joined a branch of Union Bank of Nigeria for his National Youth Service Corps at 121 Broadstreet, Victoria Island. We originally worked with the main Jim Ovia stakeholder on a separate project, when she worked with a different giving organization. ( Jim Ovia is now worth $980 million dollars, with the official dollar rate of N320, that means he is worth N313 BILLION NAIRA because of an investment of N20 million). After which he attended Ika Grammar School, Bojiboji-Owa for his secondary education, before moving to Lagos to live with his brother. The Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS) Fund is a partnership between Jim Ovia Foundation (JOF) and Africa America Institute (AAI). There’s a new dollar-billionaire on the block, and he’s Nigerian. He is the founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s tier-1 bank and one of the most profitable financial institutions in Nigeria. This fund is backed by a $2 million pledge made by Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman, Jim Ovia Foundation in 2017 In May 1990, 20 shareholders founded Zenith International bank and Jim Ovia started to move in a completely different direction. Having a dream is one thing. Jim Ovia was born to the family of Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, in Agbor, Delta State, on November 4, 1951. In Lagos, he began his banking career in 1973 at Union Bank (formerly Barclays Bank), where he worked for three years as a bank clerk before moving to the USA to complete his tertiary education. He holds the Professional Leadership Award at Zik Awards, 1999; Vanguard’s 20 Most Outstanding CEOs in Corporate Nigeria, 2002; Lifetime Achievement Award at Africans Bankers Award, 2015, as well as the prestigious Commander of Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he received in 2011. Your email address will not be published. To further equip himself, he worked as a part-time computer operator at the defunct Baton Rouge Bank and Trust Company. It is my wish that the young people throughout Africa, and around the globe, take advantage of the tremendous opportunities Africa has to offer. Their marriage is blessed with two kids. Business Administration Class of 2022 Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship. In my family, I am the only girl and last child among three siblings. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Benedict Peters: Founder Of Aiteo Group. Jim Ovia, chairman of Nigeria's largest commercial lender Zenith Bank Plc, discusses the outlook for growth in Nigeria and the business outlook for the African continent. So, they started with a residential building which they shared with a married couple at Ajose Adeogun Lane, Victoria Island, Lagos. He retired from banking at the age of 53 and successfully runs other businesses in various industries like real estate and hospitality. He was 4 years when his father died of a heart attack and had to grow up with a resilient entrepreneurial mother who was now left with the responsibility to carry the household. They converted the garage into a customer service facility, as Ovia recalled, and then made teller points from the rooms. Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) looks at the personal finance and spending lifestyle of one of Nigeria’s finest bankers. Following the deregulation of the banking sector in the late 1980s under the General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government, Jim Ovia applied for a banking license along with other investors. A man of integrity who believes in the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication to duty, Jim is committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide cultivate the courage they need to follow their passion and achieve success beyond their wildest dreams. Described by Forbes Africa as the ‘Godfather of Banking in Nigeria’, Jim Ovia is famous for his mastery of business and leadership skills, and it shows a lot in his story. He is the chairman and largest individual shareholder with a stake of slightly more than 9% … He achieved a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration in the United States from the University of Louisiana and Southern University, also in Louisiana. She then reached out to us in September of 2015 to let us know that the Jim Ovia Foundation was looking to build a new website and platform for the foundation. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our, Innovate, Innovate, Innovate: The Future Depends Upon You, Today’s Challenges Are Tomorrow’s Opportunities, Reaction Factor: The Importance of Timing. With persistence, constant learning, innovation, and a readiness to exploit opportunities as they present themselves, you too, could someday be as successful as Jim Ovia. Nigerian billionaire Jim Ovia. With his inspirational and instructive tone, he is the mentor today’s aspiring entrepreneurs need. Jim Ovia was born on the 4th of November, 1957 to a large family in Agbor, Delta State. Jim Ovia made the Forbes list in 2015 as one of the richest men in Africa, with a networth of over $550 million. He has a B.Sc. He was reappointed the Chairman of the bank in 2014. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana (1979) and a B.Sc. On the other hand, if you invest that same amount in a lucrative business or in an asset, it may be worth billions in 20 years. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (1977); all in the USA. Part-memoir, part-inspirational business guide, Jim uses his story to remind us of this valuable lesson: You must never allow the perceptions of others to impact your own vision of what is possible for the future. I built a portfolio of businesses worth $200 million. Fully armed with the intelligence of the biblical King Solomon and the grace of King David, Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia’s success story is a clear indication that hard work truly pays. He is also an Alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM) Career He was at the helm of affairs for 20 years until his resignation in July, 2010. In addition to major operations in Nigeria and other West African countries, it has sizeable operations in London and Dubai. Ovia also founded the Quantum Group, Inc. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM). See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Sani Bello: Founder Of Amni International. He is married to Kay Ovia, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Markets Ltd and the initiator of Rising talent hunt for kids and teens. Jim Ovia holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA obtained in 1979 and a B.Sc degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA (1977). Required fields are marked *. Spread the love Jim Ovia Net Worth And Biography Jim Ovia Net Worth: Jim Ovia is the founder of Zenith Bank Nigeria PLC, one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria. Jim Ovia’s Impact on Society. Ovia is married, has two children and owns major real estate holdings across Nigeria. But with courage, hard work, perseverance, and dedication to duty, Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, proves we can achieve the unthinkable. With our highly in-depth world-class MBA Standard professional bank and investor-ready business plan & feasibility study report writing service, you can finally have the best chance of getting the finance you need for your business to succeed! Jim Ovia born November 4, 1951 is a Nigerian businessman and the founder and pioneer Group Managing Director / CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s largest and Africa’s 6th largest bank by Shareholders’ Funds.He was at the helm of affairs, from inception, for 20 years until his resignation in July, 2010. When people around the globe think of Africa, they visualize conflicts and war, famine, poverty, and desolation. Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman and the founder of Zenith Bank. Jim Ovia is a business-growth thought leader, author, speaker, and coach impacting entrepreneurship in Africa and around the globe. He is also the Chairman and founder, Quantum Group. Your email address will not be published. The business mogul founded a foundation called the Jim Ovia Foundation, which has four arms: James Hope College, Jim Ovia Scholarship, Jim Ovia ICT Entrepreneurs Program and Empower Youth Program. Now, I want to share the paths that led me to success, passing on my knowledge to you. Some banks that began at the same time were forced to merge or sell out as the years passed but Zenith Bank remained independent and operational. Jim Ovia is a business-growth thought leader, author, speaker, and coach impacting entrepreneurship in Africa and around the globe. It is the second most valuable bank in Nigeria as of 2020 with a market cap of about N4.46 Trillion Naira (more than $10 billion) and a 4.4% increase in gross earnings within H1 2019 and H1 2020. In 2018, Jim Ovia published his book titled “Africa Rise And Shine”, where he discusses all his business secrets and philosophies of life. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Theophilus Danjuma: Founder Of Nigeria America Line. Jim Ovia holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA in 1979 and a B.Sc degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA (1977). Ovia’s unique interest in technology was a major factor that worked in favour of the bank, as he was well ahead of others in that respect. The deregulation gave the exclusive right to start a bank to foreign global financial institutions, federal or state institutions and certain Nigerians. Jim Ovia is a writer and motivational speaker. 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