Nobody exemplifies the principles enshrined in Sun Tzu’s classic treatise, The Art of War, like Zenith Bank’s charismatic head honcho Jim Ovia. One timeless lesson encoded in the great book, that subterfuge and clever manoeuvres will prevail where show of force will not, seems to be a particular favourite of Jim. Like a master tactician, he deftly moves knights and pawns alike on the banking chessboard as he plots his way to the top.

There is no gainsaying that Jim Ovia occupies one of the most secure posts in the banking sector. By virtue of the protégés he has strategically “planted” in the top echelon of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory bodies, Jim is not short of shields to block any arrows of trouble that fly his way.

With no need to worry about his position, the Chairman Zenith Bank has focused his attention to making money and the results have been nothing short of brilliant. Widely regarded as the wealthiest banker in the country, Jim’s coffers are regularly swelled by the rent he collects from his buildings on the island which he rents to Zenith Bank.

Still in no mood to slow down despite his huge achievements, the Agbor, Delta-born dude knowingly deploys unconventional tactics that keep his peers and rivals chasing shadows while he smiles to the bank. A consummate business man with a talent for seeing wide and planning far, Jim’s exemplary career has become a model to the younger generation