The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia has been honoured with the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.
The award was presented in a ceremony held at the Mansion House, City of London.
The distinguished recognition underscores his exceptional contributions to global finance, economic development, and philanthropy.
The Freedom of the City of London, a tradition dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest surviving ceremonies in the United Kingdom. While it once conferred privileges to freemen within the city, today it serves as a symbolic accolade for individuals who have made remarkable contributions to London or global society. Mr. Ovia now joins an esteemed list of recipients that includes Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, Desmond Tutu, Harry Kane, Morgan Freeman, and Ian Wright.
Reacting to the honour, Ovia said, “It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team… I dedicate this to the people of Nigeria and Africa who continue to inspire me with their resilience and determination.”
President Bola Tinubu also extended congratulations through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The president described Ovia as a distinguished ambassador of Nigeria’s private sector, lauding his innovation, visionary leadership, and commitment to excellence. “Your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise,” the statement read.
The ceremony was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, President of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote, and several federal ministers and traditional rulers.
This latest accolade adds to a long list of awards recognizing Ovia’s impactful career. These include the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award, ThisDay’s Banker of the Year (2007) and Titan of the Year (2024), and the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute. He also holds honorary degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and was named among Forbes Africa’s most influential banking figures.
