In a rare glimpse into the early days of Zenith Bank, its founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, has shared the remarkable story of how he started the financial institution with a mere 20 million naira in 1990.
Speaking at a recent business forum, Ovia revealed that the exchange rate at the time was 4 naira to a dollar. “It was a daunting task, but I had a vision to create a world-class bank that would serve the needs of Nigerians and Africans at large,” Ovia said.
Today, Zenith Bank is one of the largest and most successful banks in Africa, with a market capitalization of over $2 billion. Ovia’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have been instrumental in the bank’s growth and success.
The revelation has inspired many young entrepreneurs and business leaders, who see Ovia’s journey as a testament to the power of innovation, hard work, and determination.
