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PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES ZENITH BANK FOUNDER, JIM OVIA ON PRESTIGIOUS FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LONDON HONOR
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CapitalTimesNews / 5 days
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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, on his admission to the Freedom of the City of London, describing the honor as a recognition of his transformative contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and global economic partnerships. In a statement issued on Sunday by Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Ovia for his visionary leadership and pioneering role in advancing banking, innovation, and technology in Nigeria. The President hailed the recognition as “a fitting tribute to your unwavering commitment to excellence” and “your role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape.” “This honour is a testament to your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations,” Tinubu said. He added that Ovia’s admission to the Freedom of the City of London “affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise,” underscoring the banker’s impact in strengthening ties between Africa and international markets. The Freedom of the City of London, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest civic distinctions, is reserved for individuals with exceptional achievements or service. Ovia, renowned for revolutionizing Nigeria’s banking industry and fostering cross-continental investment, becomes one of the few African business leaders to receive the accolade. Tinubu praised Ovia as “a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector” and wished him continued success. Onanuga reiterated the President’s sentiments, noting that the honor reflects Ovia’s lifetime of transformative contributions to economic development. The statement, dated March 31, 2025, emphasized that the ceremony formalizing Ovia’s admission will be held in London later this year.