In a momentous ceremony held at the Mansion House, City of London, on Monday, April 7, 2025, Jim Ovia, CFR, Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, was formally admitted into the distinguished order of the Freedom of the City of London—one of the United Kingdom’s most historic honours. The conferment marks a significant milestone in Ovia’s illustrious career, celebrating his trailblazing contributions to global finance, economic advancement, and humanitarian causes.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving civic traditions in the UK. While its historical privileges are largely ceremonial today, the accolade remains a symbol of high esteem, reserved for individuals whose influence and achievements have left indelible marks on society. Ovia now joins a revered list of global icons including Nelson Mandela, Bill Gates, Sir Winston Churchill, and Desmond Tutu.
Gracious in acceptance, Ovia described the honour not just as a personal triumph but a collective achievement. “It is indeed a great honour to be admitted to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London. This is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but also a testament to the tireless efforts of the entire Zenith team who have worked diligently to establish our institution as a leading force in global finance,” he said. Dedicating the honour to Nigerians and Africans at large, he reaffirmed his commitment to promoting economic progress and entrepreneurial excellence across the continent.
The event attracted a host of eminent personalities who travelled to London to celebrate the honouree, including former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah; and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON. Also present were the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, MFR; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; and traditional rulers including the Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR. Religious leader His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan and business executives such as Rahul Savara, Group Managing Director of TGI Group, also attended in support, alongside senior officials from Zenith Bank.
The Freedom of the City award is the latest in a series of accolades that underscore Ovia’s legacy. In 2022, he was conferred with the national honours of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) and the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM). Other recognitions include the Banker of the Year (2007) and Titan of the Year (2024) from ThisDay Newspaper, the African Business Leader Award from the Africa-America Institute, and honorary degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Forbes Africa has also named him among the continent’s most influential figures in banking.
Jim Ovia’s admission to the Freedom of the City of London not only honours a remarkable individual but also stands as a powerful testament to the potential and global relevance of African excellence in finance and philanthropy.
