Of Jim Ovia and Clear Vision
If anyone were to undertake the writing of the history of Nigeria’s banking industry, the name Jim Ovia would be generously mentioned in several chapters of the book. It should also be taken for granted that many would have glowing words to say about him for so many reasons. If not for anything else, he will be credited for changing the face of banking in Nigeria, nay Africa.
In the eyes of many, Jim Ovia, Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, comes across as a phenomenon of sorts. He also typifies a soul who enjoys abundant luck and grace of God, particularly when you consider his intimidating profile.
Interestingly, it is no exaggeration to say that his life epitomises tenacity of purpose. He started out as a clerk with the defunct Barclays Bank ( now Union Bank Plc). But he wanted so much more out of life. And he pursued that ambition with abiding trust in God.
Sometime in 1990, he took a leap of faith when he teamed up with some of his friends to establish Zenith Bank as a small commercial bank. Though the bank then might be likened to a small mustard seed, the Agbor, DeltaState born financial guru knew it would someday grow to be an Iroko. He didn’t just mouth it, but he saw the dream becoming a reality in his lifetime.
It is on record that his knowledge of Information Technology ( IT), came handy when the bank became the first in Nigeria to introduce the online- real time system, which enabled the entire grid of branch offices to be networked through IT technology.
The astute banker is not only an expert in figure and banking alone but he is a gifted motivational speaker; he has displayed this expertise on many occasions.
Ovia, also an art aficionado, founded Visafone, a mobile telecoms outfit that now boasts over 2.5 million subscription base.
The founder of Jim Ovia Foundation, who is also into hospitality business and real estate, attended the Southern University Louisiana, where he obtained a B. Sc in Business Administration in 1977 and North East Louisiana University, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1979, both in the United States of America. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Business School ( Executive Management Programme).