He currently holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana (1979) and a B.Sc. She then reached out to us in September of 2015 to let us know that the Jim Ovia Foundation was looking to build a new website and platform for the foundation. Jim Ovia is currently the Chairman and founder of Visafone Communications Limited, a mobile phone company. With our highly in-depth world-class MBA Standard professional bank and investor-ready business plan & feasibility study report writing service, you can finally have the best chance of getting the finance you need for your business to succeed! Mr. Ovia is Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc (which he founded in 1990), Chairman at Zenith Bank (UK) Ltd. (a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc), Chairman for Nigeria Software Development … He was reappointed the Chairman of the bank in 2014. Our site uses cookies to improve user experience. After Jim’s elder brother got a job in Lagos, his contributions to the family ensured the training of Jim Ovia through elementary school. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (1977). READ ALSO: CBN’s heterodox policies buoys credit growth. Jim Ovia’s Impact on Society. Spend the little money you have today wisely. Ovia also founded the Quantum Group, Inc. Following the deregulation of the banking sector in the late 1980s under the General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government, Jim Ovia applied for a banking license along with other investors. Jim Ovia is the pioneer Managing Director / CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria and Africa’s largest banks by Shareholders’ Funds. He is the founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Nigeria’s tier-1 bank and one of the most profitable financial institutions in Nigeria. Jim Ovia chairs a variety of boards including Nigerian Software Development Initiative (NSDI), NITAC, Quantum Markets Limited and Cyberspace Network Limited. Jim Ovia holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA in 1979 and a B.Sc degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA (1977). Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest bank with over $17.6 billion in assets ast at 31 December 2019.. Zenith Bank is listed on the London Stock Exchange as well as on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Jim Ovia is a writer and motivational speaker. The Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS) Fund is a partnership between Jim Ovia Foundation (JOF) and Africa America Institute (AAI). Jim Ovia is a business-growth thought leader, author, speaker, and coach impacting entrepreneurship in Africa and around the globe. Described by Forbes Africa as the ‘Godfather of Banking in Nigeria’, Jim Ovia is famous for his mastery of business and leadership skills, and it shows a lot in his story. Fully armed with the intelligence of the biblical King Solomon and the grace of King David, Zenith Bank founder Jim Ovia’s success story is a clear indication that hard work truly pays. He holds the Professional Leadership Award at Zik Awards, 1999; Vanguard’s 20 Most Outstanding CEOs in Corporate Nigeria, 2002; Lifetime Achievement Award at Africans Bankers Award, 2015, as well as the prestigious Commander of Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which he received in 2011. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Theophilus Danjuma: Founder Of Nigeria America Line. Your email address will not be published. With persistence, constant learning, innovation, and a readiness to exploit opportunities as they present themselves, you too, could someday be as successful as Jim Ovia. In time, the couple could no longer bear the noise that came with being a bank’s neighbour, and moved out, allowing the bank more room to work. He is a member of the Lagos State University Governing Council, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Nigeria’s National Economic Management Committee. Prior to that time, there […]. In 2018, Jim Ovia published his book titled “Africa Rise And Shine”, where he discusses all his business secrets and philosophies of life. 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He achieved a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration in the United States from the University of Louisiana and Southern University, also in Louisiana. In each step we took from the first days to today innovation–keeping […], They say, don’t judge a book by its cover. For Ovia, his way of grooming the next generation is with these arms. Biography & Success Story Of Jim Ovia: Founder And CEO Of Zenith Bank. Jim Ovia holds a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana, USA in 1979 and a B.Sc. After the deregulation of the banking sector in the 1980s, Jim Ovia cooperated with some other partners and applied for a banking license. Jim Ovia made the Forbes list in 2015 as one of the richest men in Africa, with a networth of over $550 million. This fund is backed by a $2 million pledge made by Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman, Jim Ovia Foundation in 2017 He is also a member of the Honorary Foreign Investor Council and Trustees’ Board, Redeemer’s University for Nations, Lagos. Beginnings. Jim Ovia’s story is proof that no matter how humble your origins, you can accomplish great things with the right frame of mind. Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) looks at the personal finance and spending lifestyle of one of Nigeria’s finest bankers. Jim Ovia, 58, made his fortune providing financial services … He retired from banking at the age of 53 and successfully runs other businesses in various industries like real estate and hospitality. His message is inspiring entrepreneurs and investors worldwide to cultivate their passion, follow their instincts, and act with courage as they pursue business ventures that reach beyond their wildest dreams. He is the chairman and largest individual shareholder with a stake of slightly more than 9% … AFRICANGLOBE – Last year, Mark Mobius, a renowned emerging markets investor and Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group announced that there may be up to 200 hidden billionaires in Africa. Now, I want to share the paths that led me to success, passing on my knowledge to you. We originally worked with the main Jim Ovia stakeholder on a separate project, when she worked with a different giving organization. Founder and chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia is a global thought leader in the field of banking, entrepreneurship and business growth. He was at the helm of affairs for 20 years until his resignation in July, 2010. Private institutions were required to provide a chief executive with at least ten years of banking experience, raise the capital necessary and set up the requisite physical and governance structure, and Jim Ovia qualified for all of this. On the other hand, if you invest that same amount in a lucrative business or in an asset, it may be worth billions in 20 years. Challenges will always arise, but the dogged and resilient never cower at rising storms but instead keep going till they reach their destination. Jim Ovia developed a strong interest in computer science and information technology while studying for a degree in business administration. The tenacity of purpose is supreme, and as long as you have a goal and work towards it no matter what, you’d have a far higher chance of succeeding than others who simply dream about theirs. Your email address will not be published. To further equip himself, he worked as a part-time computer operator at the defunct Baton Rouge Bank and Trust Company. Jim Ovia is a member of a number of global organizations including the World Economic Forum (since 2007), the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA)—a key voice for U.S.-Africa business relations—among others. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM), University of Louisiana, Louisiana, (MBA), and Southern University, Louisiana, (B.Sc. Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman and the founder of Zenith Bank. Zenith Bank has won several awards and in 2017, she was awarded the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria by The Banker, London, and the Bank of the Year and the Best Customer Service Bank in the country by BusinessDay Newspaper. He is also the Chairman and founder, Quantum Group. Jim Ovia returned to Nigeria after his university education and joined a branch of Union Bank of Nigeria for his National Youth Service Corps at 121 Broadstreet, Victoria Island. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our, Innovate, Innovate, Innovate: The Future Depends Upon You, Today’s Challenges Are Tomorrow’s Opportunities, Reaction Factor: The Importance of Timing. Professional Business Plans For Your Success, View startuptipsdaily’s profile on Facebook, View startuptipdaily’s profile on Twitter, View startuptipsdaily’s profile on Instagram, View 112684232616485826000’s profile on Google+, How This Nigerian Entrepreneur Built A Multi-Billion Dollar Bank From A Garage, Still Looking For Funds? In addition to major operations in Nigeria and other West African countries, it has sizeable operations in London and Dubai. He is the second son of Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, one of the most revered chiefs in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State.Ovia attended Ika Grammar School, Bojiboji-Owa for his secondary education before going to oversee for his tertiary education. They converted the garage into a customer service facility, as Ovia recalled, and then made teller points from the rooms. Spread the love Jim Ovia Net Worth And Biography Jim Ovia Net Worth: Jim Ovia is the founder of Zenith Bank Nigeria PLC, one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria. Required fields are marked *. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Molade Okoya: Former CEO Of CFAO Nigeria. Jim Ovia was born in 1951 in Nigeria. I come from Mulang, a small Community located in the City of Bamenda in the North West Region of Cameroon. This is the success story of Jim Ovia, a Nigerian banking magnate whom though not born with a silver spoon went on to build a multi-billion dollar business. Jim’s outstanding talents and accomplishments were recognised on various occasions. as of 11/18/15 Jim Ovia is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in Nigeria. Jim Ovia holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Louisiana, Louisiana, USA obtained in 1979 and a B.Sc degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA (1977). He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM). He’s probably right. Recognizing his business leadership and his philanthropy, the African-American Institute (AAI), awarded the Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, with the AAI 2017 Business Leader Award a few days ago, on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations […] Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa […] So, they started with a residential building which they shared with a married couple at Ajose Adeogun Lane, Victoria Island, Lagos. The deregulation gave the exclusive right to start a bank to foreign global financial institutions, federal or state institutions and certain Nigerians. Small business ideas, business plans, & tips for African entrepreneurs to start, run, & grow successful businesses. Their marriage is blessed with two kids. Jim Ovia, chairman of Nigeria's largest commercial lender Zenith Bank Plc, discusses the outlook for growth in Nigeria and the business outlook for the African continent. For Ovia, his way of grooming the next generation is with these arms. I built a portfolio of businesses worth $200 million. But having the tenacity to chase and make the dream a reality is a trademark of the highly-motivated who would do anything to succeed. In May 1990, 20 shareholders founded Zenith International bank and Jim Ovia started to move in a completely different direction. He was 4 years when his father died of a heart attack and had to grow up with a resilient entrepreneurial mother who was now left with the responsibility to carry the household. There’s a new dollar-billionaire on the block, and he’s Nigerian. Jim Ovia was born on the 4th of November, 1957 to a large family in Agbor, Delta State. Nigerian billionaire Jim Ovia. After which he attended Ika Grammar School, Bojiboji-Owa for his secondary education, before moving to Lagos to live with his brother. The business mogul founded a foundation called the Jim Ovia Foundation, which has four arms: James Hope College, Jim Ovia Scholarship, Jim Ovia ICT Entrepreneurs Program and Empower Youth Program. When people around the globe think of Africa, they visualize conflicts and war, famine, poverty, and desolation. Some banks that began at the same time were forced to merge or sell out as the years passed but Zenith Bank remained independent and operational. Jim Ovia is a business-growth thought leader, author, speaker, and coach impacting entrepreneurship in Africa and around the globe. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM). Jim Ovia was born to the family of Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, in Agbor, Delta State, on November 4, 1951. Born in Chorkor, an urban slum of Accra, Ghana, I grew up amid a society which placed little emphasis on the importance of education. A man of integrity who believes in the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication to duty, Jim is committed to helping aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide cultivate the courage they need to follow their passion and achieve success beyond their wildest dreams. His message is inspiring entrepreneurs and investors worldwide to cultivate their passion, follow their instincts, and act with courage as they pursue business ventures that reach beyond their wildest dreams. Ovia is married, has two children and owns major real estate holdings across Nigeria. Today, Zenith bank remains one of the most successful banks in Nigeria. Jim Ovia Chairman, Zenith Bank ... in 2017 was mainly driven by increase in Portfolio Investment, which went up by $5.5 billion from the previous … Zenith Bank was built on innovation. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Hakeem Belo-Osagie: Former Chairman Of 9mobile. About 1,500 students have earned university scholarships courtesy of Jim Ovia Foundation. Jim Ovia is one of Nigeria’s most successful and wealthiest businessmen. It is my wish that the young people throughout Africa, and around the globe, take advantage of the tremendous opportunities Africa has to offer. Jim Ovia Quantum Luxury Properties: Ovia’s impressive real estate portfolio is said to consist of properties in wealthy neighbourhoods like Victoria Island, Lagos. In Lagos, he began his banking career in 1973 at Union Bank (formerly Barclays Bank), where he worked for three years as a bank clerk before moving to the USA to complete his tertiary education. Business Administration Class of 2022 Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship. Leading the pack is Jim Ovia, chairman of Zenith Bank, who will earn N1.52 billion in interim dividend as the largest shareholder in Nigeria’s most profitable bank as at June 30. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Benedict Peters: Founder Of Aiteo Group. Ovia’s unique interest in technology was a major factor that worked in favour of the bank, as he was well ahead of others in that respect. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.A in 19… With his inspirational and instructive tone, he is the mentor today’s aspiring entrepreneurs need. The Jim Ovia Foundation Mission The Jim Ovia Foundation was launched with the aim of investing in the unlimited potential of the youths of Nigeria - and using this investment as a key to the social and economic growth of the nation. Jim Ovia is currently the Group Chairman of the Bank. The same could have been said of Africa’s business […], Five years had passed since the liberalization of the financial markets in 1985. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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