Jim Ovia, founder and chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, is set to pocket N5.18 billion as interim dividend for the first half of 2025.
This feat came after the lender posted robust financial results.
Ovia, who directly holds 4.14 billion shares in the bank, will benefit from the interim dividend of N1.25 per share, a 25% increase from the N1.00 per share distributed in the same period of 2024.
This figure excludes his indirect holding of 1.65 billion units, which would add another N2.06 billion to his dividend earnings.
The interim payout comes as the lender marks its 35th anniversary and reflects its ability to deliver value despite a dip in profitability.
For the half year ended June 30, 2025, Zenith Bank posted a profit before tax of N625.63 billion, representing a 13.95% decline from N727 billion in the corresponding period of 2024.
However, the bank’s top line showed resilience. Gross earnings rose 20% year-on-year to N2.5 trillion, driven by a 60% surge in interest income to N1.8 trillion.
This performance was largely supported by the bank’s repricing of risk assets and effective treasury management. Net interest income nearly doubled, climbing 90% to N1.4 trillion, while non-interest income contributed N613 billion.
READ ALSO: Zenith at 35: Strong root, bold future
Profit after tax closed at N532 billion, translating to earnings per share of N12.95. The bank’s balance sheet remained robust, with total assets hitting N31 trillion and customer deposits rising to N23 trillion.
Its capital adequacy ratio stood at 26%, well above regulatory benchmarks, while the non-performing loan ratio improved to 3.1%. Liquidity remained strong at 69%.
Jim Ovia has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most rewarded shareholders. In the 2024 financial year, he earned N25.4 billion in dividends following Zenith Bank’s record-breaking profit after tax of N1.03 trillion, a 52.5% jump from 2023.
Earlier years also delivered multi-billion-naira returns, with N16.24 billion in 2022 and N11.35 billion in 2023.
Since founding Zenith Bank in 1990, Ovia has played a central role in shaping its growth. After serving as chief executive officer until 2010, he has continued to steer the bank as chairman.
Beyond banking, his interests span real estate, telecommunications, and technology, alongside philanthropic commitments.
Newsmetrics.com
