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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NIGERIA’S RENOWNED BANKER, JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND
Sahara Weekly Reports That President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This was announced in a State House Press Release by the
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on April 26,
2024.
According to the statement, ‘‘the President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense
a wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important
the vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers in the consistent end to their pursuit of
higher education over a lack of funds and ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective
of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them
productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global
economy of this century.’’
Jim Ovia, CFR, is the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, one of Africa’s largest
banks with over $21.4 billion in assets and shareholders’ funds of over US$2.4 billion as
of December 2023. Zenith Bank is a global brand listed on the London Stock Exchange
and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In addition to major operations in Nigeria and other
West African countries, the Bank has sizeable operations in London and Dubai.
Jim Ovia is the Founder and Chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki, Lagos which
was recently approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) to offer
postgraduate degrees in business courses. James Hope University commenced
activities in September 2023.
Through his philanthropy – the Jim Ovia Foundation – he has shown the importance of
accords good education. In support of the Nigerian youth, the Jim Ovia Foundation offers
scholarships to needy students through the Mankind United to Support Total Education
(MUSTE) initiative. Most of the beneficiaries of the Jim Ovia Foundation scholarship are now
accountants, business administrators, lawyers, engineers, doctors, etc.
He is the author of “Africa Rise and Shine”, published by ForbesBooks. The book which
encapsulates Zenith Bank’s meteoric rise, details the secrets of success in doing
business in Africa. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School (OPM), University
of Louisiana (MBA), and Southern University, Louisiana, (B.Sc. Business Administration). Jim Ovia is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Community
of Chairpersons and a champion of the Forum’s EDISON Alliance.
In recognition of Jim Ovia’s contributions to the economic development of Nigeria, in
2022, the Federal Government of Nigeria honored him with Commander of the Federal
Republic, CFR. Also, in May 2022, Jim Ovia was conferred with the National Productivity
Order of Merit (NPOM) Award by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Earlier, he has
been conferred with the national award of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic,
MFR, and Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, in 2000 and 2011, respectively,
as a testament to his visionary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s financial
services sector.
The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee
sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students
and youths. The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this
innovation, demands excellence, and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.
FirstBank Introduces Exclusive 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025
Lagos, 26 December 2025 – FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.
The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.
Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”
“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.
The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.
The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.
Alpha Morgan Bank Backs Cultural Preservation at the 2025 Iganmode Festival
Alpha Morgan Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to cultural preservation and community development as one of the major sponsors of the recently concluded Iganmode Cultural Festival (Odun Omo Iganmode) held in Sango-Ota, Ogun State.
The annual festival, a landmark cultural celebration in the ancient town of Ota, showcased the rich heritage, history, and identity of the Awori people. The event came alive with vibrant displays of traditional music, dance, colourful regalia, and performances that reflected the deep-rooted customs and values of the community.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s sponsorship followed closely on the heels of the recent launch of its Sango-Ota branch, further underscoring the Bank’s dedication to supporting local initiatives, promoting indigenous culture, and fostering sustainable community development in Ota and its environs.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of dignitaries, including former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and the Olota of Ota, His Majesty, Prof. Adeyemi Obalanlege, alongside several other traditional rulers and members of royal households from across the state. Their presence highlighted the cultural and historical significance of the festival to Ogun State and the wider Yoruba nation.
Alpha Morgan Bank’s participation as a major sponsor reflects its broader corporate vision of strengthening community values and supporting initiatives that promote Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. The Bank joined thousands of attendees in celebrating a festival that continues to serve as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural continuity for the people of Ota.
The 2025 edition of the Iganmode Festival was widely acclaimed as a success, leaving guests and participants with lasting impressions of a colourful, well-coordinated celebration that honoured tradition while fostering communal harmony.
*12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards: Celebrating the Season the Wema Way*
December is a season built on gratitude, reflection, and giving. It is a time when small gestures carry deeper meaning and everyday moments turn into shared joy. At Wema Bank, this spirit of the season has inspired the launch of 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, a festive campaign created to celebrate customers who continue to make the Bank part of their daily lives.
Running from December 14 to December 25, 2025, the campaign is designed to reward simple, everyday banking while spreading cheer across homes and communities. For twelve days, 33 customers will be rewarded daily with five thousand naira each when they fund their accounts with five thousand naira.
The idea behind the campaign is simple in action but thoughtful in intent. It recognises that during the festive period, every extra support counts. Whether it is preparing for family gatherings, running errands, or planning end-of-year activities, Wema Bank is turning routine transactions into moments of delight.
To take part in the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards, customers only need to fund their accounts with five thousand naira through any of the following channels:
ALAT app
*945#
Debit cards
Once the account is funded with five thousand naira, they get an additional five thousand naira as a reward.
Beyond the rewards, the 12 Days of Christmas with 5 for 5 Rewards reflects Wema Bank’s broader commitment to customer-centric banking. It reinforces the Bank’s focus on creating experiences that go beyond transactions, especially during moments that matter most to customers.
As the year draws to a close, Wema Bank is inviting customers to enjoy the festive season knowing that their loyalty is valued and celebrated. With every transaction, the Bank continues to find new ways to connect, appreciate, and give back during a season defined by generosity.
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