JIM OVIA – A Good Nigerian

A motivational speaker, a Nigerian businessman, a writer, Chief Executive Officer with results meet  JIM OVIA

JIM OVIA born on the 4th of November 1951, is an indigen of the big heart of the Nation; Delta State. He is the second son of  Obi Olihe of Agbor-Obi, one of the most revered chief in Agbor Kingdom. Jim is married to Kay Ovia, the Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Markets Ltd.

At the morning stage of Jim’s life, he was confused as to what career to pursue. He sought counsel from his uncle who advised him to study business administration. Due to his uncle’s advice, he studied business administration and that made him the success that he is today.

Just like every human, JIM had dreams, but the difference is that JIM was able to nurse his dreams to fulfillment. He said; _”The only obstacle between young African and the world they dream of is their courage to have the audacity to build it “_

The popular adage that says;  Rome wasn’t built in a day, is particular to JIM’S achievement. He has been in the banking sector for three-decade, starting from his work as a clerk at Union bank formally called Barclays Bank after secondary school and later working at Lion bank where he emerged as the branch manager. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degree in the USA, after which he came back and served our prestigious country in Union bank.

Jim is the co-founder and director of Zenith Bank, with about 9.3% individual shares making him the largest shareholder. Under his leadership, Zenith Bank emerged as the 6th largest individual shareholding bank in Africa.

In 2011, at number 40, JIM OVIA was spotted on the list of African’s richest men and was also recorded as the third richest Nigerian with 980 million dollars as his net worth.

The sparkle that comes with the height of JIM’S achievement, is that JIM OVIA did not turn his back at the less privileged especially the youth.  He believed that the youths are loaded with talents and potentials and they are ready to embrace technology. In this regard, he set up a non-profit organization called Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE).

Providing scholarships for about 1,500 students and more than 3,500 youths has been empowered. Produced from the organization are certified lawyers, Doctors, and diverse professions. He said, philanthropy is important to him and he derives joy spending his money the way he does, and there is a need to give back to the larger society.

JIM OVIA also has an interest in technology and that made him develop an ITC Entrepreneurs Programme and Empower Youth Program, where they normally have conferences annually.

He also set up a foundation named after him which is divided into four areas, which are James Hope College, Jim Ovia Scholarship, Jim Ovia ICT Entrepreneurs Programme and Empower YOUth Program, all to build up the untapped potentials in youths.

Jim OVIA is the exact description of wealth in the right hands.