Jim Ovia within the prism of Tinubu’s ‘Four Wise Men’

By Folarin Ademosu 

President Bola Tinubu’s recognition of banking titan Jim Ovia CFR among his “four wise men” — private sector drivers praised for their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development — came to many as no surprise. Others in this elite circle are Aliko Dangote, the risk-taking, bold and adventurous President of the Dangote Group; Femi Otedola, First Bank Plc chairman; and AbdulRabiu Samad, chairman of BUA Group.

Ovia’s inclusion in this prestigious circle reaffirms his unalloyed patriotism and profound commitment to Nigeria’s growth. Though one of the country’s most influential business leaders, he remains publicity-shy, preferring to focus on solving complex problems and driving economic progress. Zenith Bank Plc is a clear testament to Ovia’s dedication, the financial powerhouse he founded in 1990, which continues to be the leader in technological innovation and customer-centric banking.

In the over three decades of its existence, the bank has blossomed from its modest beginning to a financial behemoth, boasting over 500 branches across Nigeria and extending its footprint across Africa—with offices in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and the Gambia. This bold expansion established Zenith Bank as one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, having assets exceeding $24 billion and shareholders’ funds surpassing N4.03 trillion, per its 2024 annual report. Driven by its mission ‘to establish a presence in all major economic and financial centres worldwide’, Zenith Bank Plc has expanded beyond Africa, setting up operations in the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China. The bank’s customer-driven services, technological innovations, and dedication to its

shareholders embody its core philosophy: People, Technology, Service. This article of faith is further demonstrated by its impressive dividend payout of NGN5.00 per share—totaling NGN195.67 billion for the 2024 financial year.

This feat undoubtedly boils down to the hard work, determination, resilience, and foresight of one man: Jim Ovia. This is why his description as a wise man by President Tinubu is fitting. Anyway we look at it, “Only the deep can call to the deep” — to borrow from the telling quote of one of Nigeria’s brightest and fecund minds, former Western Region’s premier, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. As Awolowo said: “While many men in power and public office are busy carousing in the midst of women of easy virtue and men of low morals, I, as a few others like me, am busy at my desk thinking about the problems of Nigeria and proffering solutions to them.” This is typical of Ovia and, unarguably, a major reason he is in President Tinubu’s trusted circle.

Like Tinubu, Ovia displays a fearless, pioneering spirit. Incidentally, the President made his remarks about Ovia’s contributions on the grounds of the Lekki Free Trade Zone—an initiative Tinubu conceived as Lagos State governor, making it a historic milestone in Nigeria’s economic development. Similarly, Ovia has reshaped banking by revolutionizing financial practices, enhancing customer experience, and driving tech-based innovation.

Moreover, the banker, like Tinubu, possesses a talent detection ability. An example is the current Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc is Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji OON, rose meritoriously through the ranks to get to her current position. A Harvard and Columbia Business School alumna with extensive academic credentials, Umeoji exemplifies the caliber of leaders fostered under Ovia’s guidance. Many others trained under his mentorship have similarly risen to prestigious roles within and beyond the banking sector.

Beyond finance, Ovia’s foresight underscores his belief that Nigeria’s economic transformation lies in its youth, particularly in the technology sector. He believes Nigeria should not just be playing catch-up in the competitive, rapidly growing, fast-paced global technological advancements. This explains why Zenith Bank continues to support the country’s tech orbit through its annual Tech Fair, an initiative created to empower young entrepreneurs and developers. At the 2025 edition, Ovia expressed his desire to see Nigeria emerge as a tech powerhouse, akin to Silicon Valley.

There is no doubt that Jim Ovia represents a blend of patriotism, ingenuity, and forward-thinking leadership—a man whose mind is a toolbox of solutions, driving Nigeria toward a prosperous future.