Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He came to prominence as the founder and CEO of Zenith Bank.
Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 and has helped position the bank as one of the largest in Africa. He built the bank from $4m in shareholders’ funds to $16 billion in assets under both military and civilian rule.
He has several properties around the world worth billions from houses to hotels and companies.
| Jim Ovia | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Jim James Ovia |
| Date of Birth: | November 4, 1951 |
| State of Origin: | Delta State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Businessman |
| Wife: | Kay Ovia |
| Children: | Isioma, Zephia, Tito, Tomi, Jesse |
| Net Worth: | $550 million |
Early Life
Jim Ovia was born on November 4, 1951 in Agbor, Delta State as the second son in his family. His father was a chief in Agbor Kingdom and passed away when Jim was at a very young age.
He had his primary education in Delta State and proceeded to Ika Grammar School, Bojiboji-Owa for his secondary education.
He obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana, USA.
He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM) and was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in the 50th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos.
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Career
Jim Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 and has helped position the bank as one of the largest and most profitable in Africa. He oversaw the expansion of Zenith Bank to over 400 branches in Nigeria, with a presence in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, UK, China, and Dubai.
He is also known as the founder of Visafone Communications Limited and the Chairman of both the Nigerian Software Development Initiative (NSDI) and the National Information Technology Advisory Council (NITAC).
He also became a member of Honorary International Investor Council. He is the Chairman of Cyberspace Network Limited.
Ovia announced the publication of his book Africa, Rise and Shine published with Forbes Books in September 2018. In his book Africa, Rise and Shine, he shares his advice on how to strategically win in the African markets.
He is also a philanthropist. He has headed several NGO’s at different times which include serving as the first president of the Nigeria Internet Group from 2001 to 2003.
Ovia is the founder of the philanthropic organization, Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE), which is focused on providing scholarships for the less privileged.
He is also the founder of the Youth Empowerment foundation which is mainly focused on improving the socio-economic welfare of Nigerian youths.
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Personal Life
Jim Ovia is married to Kay Ovia and their union is blessed with five children namely: Isioma, Zephia, Tito, Tomi, and Jesse.
His daughter Isioma got married to her long time partner Ola Olowu, an advertising executive, who is also the older brother of media personality Adebola Olowu known as Illrymz
Another of his daughter Tito is married to Ugo Chukwu, the son of a wealthy Igbo business magnate and a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Tony Chukwu. The wedding was anchored by the popular media personality IK Osakioduwa with the Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel entertaining guests with his trending song Buga.
Tito runs Helim Health, a healthcare provider of a comprehensive suite of technology solutions dedicated to managing every aspect of healthcare delivery.
His wife, Kay Ovia is a businesswoman. She is the chairman of the Board of Directors of Cyberspace Limited, a software engineering company in Lagos. She is also the CEO of Quantum Markets Limited.
Mrs Kay is alumni of Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT) where she holds an MBA degree in Management.
Net Worth
Jim Ovia is a businessman with numerous properties around the world. His mansion at Agbor, Delta state, is the definition of class with a taste of luxury. He has other properties like Lagos Mariot Hotel and the Aquamarine Boat club. According to Forbes, Jim Ovia has an estimated net worth of $550 million.
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Social Media
Jim Ovia is not active on social media platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some frequently asked questions Jim Ovia:
Who is Jim Ovia?
Jim Ovia is a Nigerian businessman well known as the founder of Zenith Bank.
How old is Jim Ovia?
Jim Ovia was born on November 4, 1951
Where is Jim Ovia from?
Jim Ovia is from Agbor Delta State, in Nigeria.
Is Jim Ovia married?
Jim Ovia is married to Kay Ovia, a businesswoman.
Do Jim Ovia have a second wife?
Jim Ovia does not have a second wife. He is happily married to his wife Kay.
What is Jim Ovia’s Net Worth?
Jim Ovia has an estimated net worth of $550 million.
