The founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia has been admitted into the Freedom of the City of London.
The bank said in a statement yesterday that the ceremony was held at the Mansion House, City of London on Monday, April 7, 2025.
According to the release, the honour “is a testament to Mr. Ovia’s exceptional contributions to the global financial landscape, unwavering commitment to fostering economic development, and dedication to philanthropic endeavours that have positively impacted countless lives.”
Ovia has joined the likes of Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman and Ian Wright who are past honorees of the Freedom of the City of London.
In his acceptance speech, Ovia said: “It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just 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.”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ovia, saying he (Ovia) is a distinguished ambassador of Nigeria’s private sector.
Spokesman for the president, Mr Bayo Onanuga, quoted the president as describing the honour as ‘a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.
“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 Freedom of the City of London, a time-honoured tradition dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving ceremonies in the United Kingdom.
Historically, it granted freemen certain rights and privileges within the city. Today, it stands as a symbolic recognition of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to London or the wider society.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Delta State, Mr Sherrif Oborevwori; Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; president of Dangote Group, Mr 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; Oba of Oniru, Abdulwasiu Lawal; group managing director, TGI Group of Companies, Mr Rahul Savara; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
The Zenith Bank chairman is a recipient of many awards including the conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) & National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award in 2022 by the Federal Government of Nigeria; Banker of the Year in 2007; Titan of the Year in 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute, as well as honorary degrees from the University of Lagos as well as from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
