See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Theophilus Danjuma: Founder Of Nigeria America Line. Jim Ovia Quantum Luxury Properties: Ovia’s impressive real estate portfolio is said to consist of properties in wealthy neighbourhoods like Victoria Island, Lagos. degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA (1977). 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. Zenith Bank was built on innovation. The Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS) Fund is a partnership between Jim Ovia Foundation (JOF) and Africa America Institute (AAI). Jim Ovia was born in 1951 in Nigeria. Jim further went on to work for the International Merchant Bank (IMB) in 1980, after his compulsory youth service year, where he worked his way up from the position of a financial analyst to the bank manager. It is the second most valuable bank in Nigeria as of 2020 with a market cap of about N4.46 Trillion Naira (more than $10 billion) and a 4.4% increase in gross earnings within H1 2019 and H1 2020. 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. He has a B.Sc. Jim Ovia was born on the 4th of November, 1951 to the large family of Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, in Agbor, Delta State. 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. Jim’s outstanding talents and accomplishments were recognised on various occasions. 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. Part-memoir, part-inspirational business guide, Jim uses his story to remind us of this valuable lesson: You must never allow the perceptions of others to impact your own vision of what is possible for the future. Small business ideas, business plans, & tips for African entrepreneurs to start, run, & grow successful businesses. 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). Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa […] There’s a new dollar-billionaire on the block, and he’s Nigerian. With his inspirational and instructive tone, he is the mentor today’s aspiring entrepreneurs need. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Hakeem Belo-Osagie: Former Chairman Of 9mobile. 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. Jim Ovia is a writer and motivational speaker. Jim Ovia was appointed a member of the World Economic Forum Community of Chairmen in January 2017 and is the current Chair of the World Economic Forum's Africa Regional Business Council. So, there is actually more to Jim Ovia than Zenith Bank Plc, which Nairametrics will uncover in this week’s Founder’s Profile. Now, I want to share the paths that led me to success, passing on my knowledge to you. Jim Ovia made the Forbes list in 2015 as one of the richest men in Africa, with a networth of over $550 million. 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 addition to major operations in Nigeria and other West African countries, it has sizeable operations in London and Dubai. 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. When people around the globe think of Africa, they visualize conflicts and war, famine, poverty, and desolation. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM). Jim Ovia’s story is proof that no matter how humble your origins, you can accomplish great things with the right frame of mind. He is also a member of the Honorary Foreign Investor Council and Trustees’ Board, Redeemer’s University for Nations, Lagos. 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. 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. We originally worked with the main Jim Ovia stakeholder on a separate project, when she worked with a different giving organization. Business Administration Class of 2022 Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship. To further equip himself, he worked as a part-time computer operator at the defunct Baton Rouge Bank and Trust Company. 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. In 1990, when Zenith Bank began operations, there were not many buildings explicitly built for commercial or corporate purposes. He is also the founder of Visafone Communications Limited which has over I built a portfolio of businesses worth $200 million. Jim Ovia holds a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana, USA in 1979 and a B.Sc. Since 2002, over 3,500 young people have been motivated, and over 500 entrepreneurs have been trained in various skills including ICT skills. See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Benedict Peters: Founder Of Aiteo Group. For Ovia, his way of grooming the next generation is with these arms. Jim Ovia is an entrepreneur and businessperson who founded 5 companies, among them: Zenith Bank Plc, The Quantum Group, Inc. and Visafone Communications Ltd. and who has been the head of 7 different companies. Business Insider Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) looks at the personal finance and spending lifestyle of one of Nigeria’s finest bankers. 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. 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. Jim Ovia is a writer and motivational speaker. Having a dream is one thing. READ ALSO: CBN’s heterodox policies buoys credit growth. Nigerian billionaire Jim Ovia. Nigerian entrepreneurs have continued making waves on a global scale as Jim Ovia receives AAI 2017 Business Award. Jim Ovia chairs a variety of boards including Nigerian Software Development Initiative (NSDI), NITAC, Quantum Markets Limited and Cyberspace Network Limited. This fund is backed by a $2 million pledge made by Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman, Jim Ovia Foundation in 2017 In May 1990, 20 shareholders founded Zenith International bank and Jim Ovia started to move in a completely different direction. 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. Jim Ovia’s Impact on Society. 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 […] 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 … Spend the little money you have today wisely. Jim Ovia is a business-growth thought leader, author, speaker, and coach impacting entrepreneurship in Africa and around the globe. 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. 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). 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? See Also: Biography & Success Story Of Sani Bello: Founder Of Amni International. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana, Monroe, Louisiana (1979) and a B.Sc. He is also an Alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM) Career 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Jim Ovia is currently the Chairman and founder of Visafone Communications Limited, a mobile phone company. He is also the Chairman and founder, Quantum Group. In 2018, Jim Ovia published his book titled “Africa Rise And Shine”, where he discusses all his business secrets and philosophies of life. 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. He is the chairman and largest individual shareholder with a stake of slightly more than 9% … 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. After which he attended Ika Grammar School, Bojiboji-Owa for his secondary education, before moving to Lagos to live with his brother. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School (OPM). 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. 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