Buhari, Osinbajo, Tinubu, others honour Jim Ovia

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commended the founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, for his contributions to entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Buhari gave the commendation in a message at the public presentation and launch of Ovia’s book “Africa Arise and Shine” in Lagos.
He said Ovia had contributed so much to inspiring entrepreneurs, particularly the Nigerian youths.
“It is my pleasure to convey my congratulations to you on the publication of the book ‘Africa Arise and Shine,’ which you authored.
“I commend you in this contribution to the knowledge base of Nigeria’s entrepreneurs, particularly the Nigerian youth.
“Your journey in building one of our country’s most iconic enterprise is an encouragement to our fellow citizens.
Congratulations on this achievement,” Buhari wrote.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, in his speech said that successful people in the country owed the society three taxes, describing the three as personal income and corporate tax, social and civic tax.
He, however, said Ovia was not one of such people as he was a law abiding citizen who discharged his obligations in tax payments.
The vice president also lauded Ovia’s philanthropic gestures, particularly his investment in education where he said Ovia impressed him by his many feats.
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, said Ovia possessed many qualities which all ought to emulate by professionals.
According to him, in the book, Ovia shares important words of wisdom drawn from his more than 38-year experience as a trail blazer in Nigeria’s banking sector and his experience in the telecommunications and insurance sectors.
“The book conveys an inspirational message on universal principles that are applicable in every country which can serve as a guide to millions of young Nigerians on how to succeed.
“These principles are devotion to knowledge, commitment to excellence and courage to dare where many feared.
“As you will find in the book, these factors were instrumental in enabling him to build a US$16 billion conglomerate from barely N203 million at start-up of this empire.
“For those of us who know him and have worked under him, Jim Ovia is a stickler for knowledge and is deeply committed to excellence.” The Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, highlighted the contributions of Mr Ovia to the accountancy and banking professions in Nigeria.
Dignitaries at the event included governors Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibrahim Shettima (Borno), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti Governor-elect).
They also included the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, Segun Osoba Christopher Kolade, Emeka Anyaoku, Akintola Williams, Tony Elumelu, Folorunso Alakija, Aigboje AigImoukhuede and Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu (NAN)