In the opulent world of Zenith Bank chairman, Jim Ovia, every day should be a celebration. But they are a modest family who only celebrate when the occasion necessarily calls for it. Today, the Agbor, Delta State native clocked 66.
Like an ancient mariner whose heartbeat dwarfs echoes of his incredible exploits, Jim commands the awe of many of his peers and admirers in Nigeria’s socio-political and business sector. There is no gainsaying the world of business is like a dangerous coast riddled with storms. But despite its turbulent tides, the Chairman of Zenith Bank, like a sea-hardened sailor, navigates through the gales armed with a strong resolve and unyielding spirit.
Today, that relentless spirit of Ovia has paid off. It has guided him through the bittersweet, cut-throat world of global commerce till he emerged unscathed and undaunted in spirit and resolve, like a champion.
As Chairman of Zenith Bank, Ovia observes remarkanly clear and simple principles of leadership. He brings clarity of purpose to his work; he is a good listener who comes to the table not with some preset notion of distrust but an open mind; he asks all the tough questions and tries to find the solutions.
Given that product design, marketing and complex management are no doubt the trifecta of success in commercial banking, he excels at it all in a rare feat, much like scoring a television goal in soccer, time and over again.
And how has he perfected the knack for such entrepreneurial success that puts him in the same pantheon as banking industry’s business giants? His process is simple: Ovia has built a career on combining daring, dexterous and largely inspirational initiatives with diligent application that incorporates everything from snatches of dependable formulae to the most improbable exploits.
Unlike most of his contemporaries, Jim views success not only in financial terms but artistic terms, and his enterprise style — particularly his current business and leadership style in the banking sector — are as formidable in pushing and challenging the bounds of entrepreneurship as they are in garnering successful results.
However, typical of the intensely private billionaire, however, it will just be prayers, thanksgiving and dinner for family and select friends.
