Nigerian businessman Jim Ovia
From time to time, I will be profiling outstanding African businessmen with a proven net worth of $100 million and above. If they work a little harder, they just might make our Forbes World’s Billionaires’ list someday. Today, the spotlight is on Jim Ovia, a Nigerian millionaire banker and telecoms magnate.
Country: Nigeria
Age: 57
Residence: Lagos
Estimated Net worth: $400million – $600 million
Source: banking, real estate, telecoms
Education: MBA, University of Louisiana, United States
Family: Married with children
Bio: The reclusive godfather of Nigerian banking founded Zenith Bank Group in 1990. It grew into West Africa’s 2nd largest financial services provider by market capitalization and asset base. He was forced to step down as chief executive last year after 20-year stint following a Central Bank directive which limits the tenure of bank chiefs to 10 years.
Don’t feel sorry: He still remains largest individual shareholder. Bulk of wealth comes largely from a massive portfolio of prime real estate in some of Nigeria’s priciest neighborhoods: Victoria-Island, Ikoyi. Also owns Aquamarine, an exclusive boat club catering to Nigeria’s richest folks. Billionaire Aliko Dangote is a member.
Now devotes majority of his time towards managing Visafone, a telecoms outfit he founded in 2007. An information technology enthusiast, he founded the Youth Empowerment and ICT Foundation which powers education through technology.
Guilty Pleasure: Loves expensive boats
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