LONDON, April 7, 2025 – In a ceremony steeped in centuries of tradition, Jim Ovia, CFR, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London at Mansion House today. The accolade recognizes Ovia’s pivotal role in shaping global finance, his drive for economic development, and his extensive philanthropic work across Africa.
The Freedom of the City dates back to the 1200s, originally granting local traders special rights. Modern recipients are celebrated for exceptional contributions to London or to wider society. Ovia now joins a roll call that includes Nelson Mandela, Sir Winston Churchill, Bill Gates and Morgan Freeman.
Speaking after the ceremony, Ovia paid tribute to his team and to Nigerians. “This honor reflects not only my efforts but the dedication of every Zenith colleague,” he said. “I accept it on behalf of the people of Nigeria and Africa, whose resilience inspires me daily. Together, we will continue to drive innovation and prosperity across our continent.”
Back in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu hailed the award as “a fitting recognition of Nigerian enterprise on the world stage.” In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu lauded Ovia’s “visionary leadership” and his role in forging stronger economic ties between Africa and the United Kingdom.
Among the guests at Mansion House were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu; Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah; Dangote Group chairman Aliko Dangote; and ministers, traditional rulers and business leaders from both Nigeria and Britain.
Ovia’s career has been marked by high-profile accolades: Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) in 2022, ThisDay’s Banker of the Year (2007) and Titan of the Year (2024), plus honorary doctorates from the universities of Lagos and Nigeria, Nsukka. Forbes Africa has named him among the continent’s most influential bankers.
As Freeman of the City, Jim Ovia adds this storied honor to a lifetime of achievement—underscoring the global reach of Nigerian business and the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives.