Jim Ovia retire Zenith Bank chairman, Mustafa Bello take over leadership as Zenith Bank Plc officially announce change for top position after Jim Ovia complete him tenure.
According to statement wey the bank release for Lagos on May 5, 2026, Ovia step down as Group Chairman after he complete the required 12-year tenure wey corporate governance rule allow for financial institutions.
Meanwhile, the Board praise Ovia for im strong leadership, vision and strategic direction wey help grow the bank into one of the leading financial institutions for Nigeria and beyond.
Furthermore, dem highlight say im commitment to good governance and stakeholder value creation help improve the bank reputation for financial services sector.
However, following the development, Mustafa Bello don take over as the new Chairman of Zenith Bank, after previously serving as non-executive director.
In addition, Bello get strong background for engineering, governance and public service, as he graduate Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he even win award for best project.
Subsequently, he work with Nigerian Army for engineering services before moving to Niger State Housing Corporation as Senior Civil Engineer.
Later on, Bello serve as Minister of Commerce between 1999 and 2002, and also as Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for over a decade.
Moreover, he currently serve as Chairman of Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Limited, where he dey focus on economic development for northern region.
Nevertheless, industry watchers believe say the leadership transition go help maintain stability and continuity for Zenith Bank, as the institution continue to expand operations and strengthen market position.
