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Jim Ovia : From a clerk to founder of Nigeria’s most profitable bank, celebrating his 71st birthday Recently

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..,.Here’s a brief profile of the billionaire octogenarian

Jim Ovia, once named by Forbes as one of the 50 richest people in Africa, is a year older today. As expected, accolades have poured in to celebrate him, including one from President Muhammadu Buhari and other notable Nigerians. President Buhari called him a “beloved citizen” and praised him for his immense contributions to the Nigerian economy.

About Jim Ovia
Few men possess the leadership qualities that make them worthy to be called successful businessmen and philanthropists. But Jim Ovia is remarkably different.

Jim James Ovia, CFR CON, was on the 4th of November 1951. He hails from Delta state. He later obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, in 1977 and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana in Monroe, Louisiana, USA in 1979. He is also a Harvard Business School alumni.

He assisted in positioning Zenith Bank as one of the biggest and most profitable banks in Africa throughout his two decades of leadership at the institution.

Ovia founded Visafone Communications Limited and served as the head of the National Information Technology Advisory Council and the Nigerian Software Development Initiative (NSDI) (NITAC).

He serves as Chairman of Cyberspace Network Limited and a member of the Honorary International Investor Council and Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).

He received an honorary doctorate at the University of Lagos’ 50th convocation ceremony.
His philanthropy
He joined the Board of several educational institutions and NGOs that support the advancement of humanity, out of his desire to give back to society and the younger generation.

He serves on the boards of trustees and governing councils of numerous schools, notably Redeemer’s University For Nations in Lagos. He has also served on the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission’s Governing Council (1999–2007).

Ovia has served as the inaugural President of the Nigeria Internet Group and has led some non-governmental organisations (2001–2003). He is the founder and Chairman of Mankind United to Support Total Education (MUSTE), a charitable organisation that provides scholarships to the poor and disadvantaged. He founded the Youth Empowerment / ICT Foundation to improve the socioeconomic well-being of Nigerian youngsters by encouraging and motivating them to embrace information and communication technologies.

He was quoted to have said, “I will continue to empower the youths. That is my passion. The youths are the leaders of tomorrow. We must continue to support them”.

In 2018, he published the book Africa Rise and Shine.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Araraume Salutes Muslims, Applauds Tinubu’s Leadership

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Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.

In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.

The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.

As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.

Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.

Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.

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BREAKING: Tinubu, Starmer Meet as £746m Port Investment Deal Set for Signing

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President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.

The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.

It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.

The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.

Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.

Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.

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Breaking: Senegal Lose AFCON Crown as CAF Declares Morocco Winners

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Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.

In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.

The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.

The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld

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