Story
Jim Ovia (born 4 November 1961), known in full as Jim James Ovia, is a prominent Nigerian businessman and investor from Delta State. His great contributions have earned him a distinguished reputation in the Nigerian business and banking sector.
He left an indelible mark on the Nigerian financial industry by founding Zenith Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in the country, and was also the bank’s chairman and largest individual shareholder, owning over 9% of its total shares.
But his business acumen and talent continue. Jim Ovia’s business interests span a wide range of sectors and he is known for his impressive real estate portfolio across Nigeria. He is also the owner of Visafone, a mobile telecommunications network with a massive 3 million subscribers.
Clearly, Jim Ovia’s influence in Nigeria is not limited to the banking sector, and his entrepreneurial spirit and business success have certainly contributed to his esteemed reputation within the country and beyond.
Nigerian businessman
Jim Ovia |
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 Jim Ovia: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| First and last name: | Jim James Ovia |
| Stage Name: | Jim Ovia |
| Born: | November 4, 1951 (age 72) |
| Place of birth: | Agbor, Delta, Nigeria |
| State of origin: | Delta State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Height: | 1.57 minutes |
| Parents: | Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi |
| Siblings: | Do not have |
| Couple: | Kay Ovia |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| Children: | Isioma Ovia, Zephia Ovia, Tito Ovia, Tami Ovia, Jesse Ovia |
| Job: | Entrepreneur • Investor |
| Net asset value: | $550 million |
Early life and education
Jim Ovia, a respected name in Nigerian business circles, was born in Agbor, an area then part of British Nigeria but now Delta State, on November 4, 1961. He comes from a family with deep roots in Delta State, where his father was a respected traditional chief, holding the honorary title of Obi Olihe of Agbor-ObiHe inherited his father’s respected position and was known as one of the most influential figures in Delta State.
His educational background is nothing short of impressive. Jim Ovia earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern University and A&M CollegeLouisiana, and then earned his Master of Business Administration from University of LouisianaMonroe. However, his academic achievements did not stop there; he also attended the prestigious Harvard Business Schoolfurther strengthen his expertise in business management.
Jim Ovia’s business acumen is second to none, as evidenced by his achievements in the banking industry. He is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest and most successful commercial banks, where he currently serves as chairman and is the largest individual shareholder, with a stake of over 9%. He also has significant investments in luxury real estate across Nigeria and owns Visafone, a mobile telecommunications operator with over 3 million subscribers.
Personal life
Jim Ovia is happily married to his beloved wife, Kay Ovia, whom he adores. Their unwavering love and affection for each other is evident in the way they act when they step out together.
Jim Ovia and Kay Ovia were blessed with five children, namely Isioma Ovia, Zephia Ovia, Tito Ovia, Tami Ovia and Jesse Ovia, whom they loved dearly.
One of their daughters, Tito Ovia, recently got married in a lavish wedding held in the beautiful North African country of Morocco, attended by many dignitaries and celebrities.
Career
Jim Ovia, the visionary behind the remarkable success of Zenith Bank Plc, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s banking and business world. He transformed Nigeria’s first-tier bank into one of the country’s most profitable financial institutions before assuming the role of Chairman in 2010.
Jim Ovia’s pioneering leadership over more than two decades has propelled Zenith Bank to a prominent and successful position among African banking institutions. However, he is not limited to banking. His innovative expertise can be seen in numerous ventures such as Visafone Communications Limited, National Software Development Initiative (NSDI), National Information Technology Advisory Council (NITAC), Honorary International Investor Council, Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Cyberspace Network Limited.
The University of Lagos recognized his outstanding achievements by awarding him an honorary doctorate. In 2018, Jim Ovia wrote the book Africa, Rise and shinepublished with ForbesBooks. His contributions to the Nigerian business world were further recognised in October 2022 when President Muhammadu Buhari awarded him the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).
Jim Ovia’s legacy extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. He was a family man, devoted to his wife, Kay Ovia, with whom he had five wonderful children: Isioma, Zephia, Tito, Tami, and Jesse.
Net asset value
According to Forbes, Jim Ovia has an estimated net worth of $550 million. He is one of the most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Africa.
Social Media
- Instagram name: @Jimoviafoundation
- Twitter Username: @Jimoviafoundatn
