Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Zenith Bank CEO, paid glowing tribute to the bank’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, calling him “the Nostradamus of our time” and “the godfather of modern Nigerian banking,” as the bank opened the 5th edition of its flagship Tech Fair in Lagos.

Addressing a packed audience at the Future Forward 5.0 event, Umeoji highlighted how Ovia’s foresight established Zenith Bank as a leader in digital innovation more than three decades ago.

She recalled how, in the early 1990s, when manual banking was still the norm, Ovia installed satellite dishes across branches to enable real-time services, introduced transaction notifications, and pioneered Nigeria’s first ATM gallery and early Internet banking platforms.

“This foundation, built on people, technology and service, created a culture that values innovation, rewards excellence and embraces change,” she said.

Umeoji also noted Ovia’s influence beyond banking, including his tenure as the first President of the Nigeria Internet Group, and his commitment to youth empowerment through thousands of scholarships funded by his foundation.

According to her, the Tech Fair, instituted six years ago by Ovia, reflects the founder’s conviction that Africa must build a future powered by homegrown technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Everything we celebrate today at the fair rests on his discipline, dedication and uncompromising pursuit of excellence,” she added.