Zenith Bank Celebrates 35 Years of Excellence, Honours Pioneer Customers, Staff

Zenith Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has marked its 35th anniversary with a grand celebration at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event, held on Friday, August 15, 2025, brought together top dignitaries, partners, customers, and staff to celebrate the bank’s journey of over three decades of innovation, stability, and trusted service in the Nigerian banking industry.

In a symbolic gesture, Zenith Bank honoured its pioneer customers and long-serving employees whose loyalty and dedication have contributed significantly to the institution’s remarkable growth trajectory.

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her remarks, paid tribute to the customers and staff whose trust and commitment have been the foundation of the bank’s success.

“Our success has been built on the trust of our customers and the dedication of our staff. Today, we not only celebrate 35 years of growth and excellence, but also the people who made this possible,” she said.

Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, also lauded the bank’s resilience and consistent performance, noting that its reputation for excellence has remained unshaken since inception.

The ceremony attracted an array of eminent personalities including the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among other notable guests.

Highlights of the celebration included keynote addresses, awards presentations, and live musical performances, which added glamour to the occasion.

Established in May 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s foremost financial powerhouses, renowned for innovation, reliable service delivery, and commitment to excellence in banking.

County Executive, Ambassadors, Others in Attendance as DMV Chapter of Obizi USA Holds Convention in Washington

The DMV Chapter of Obizi USA has hosted its convention that brought together members of the Obizi community and dignitaries in Washington D.C.

The event, held under the leadership of Mr. Anthony Ukadilonu, Chairman of the Obizi Improvement Union, was a showcase of the community’s commitment to philanthropy and cultural exchange.

Diaspora Watch reports that the convention kicked off with donations to support the Obizi community, including two Starlink internet devices with an initial one-year subscription by the Chairman of the occasion, Dr Jude Onyegbado.

This initiative aims to provide internet access to the community, bridging the digital divide and opening up new opportunities for education, economic growth, and global connectivity.

Additionally, a team of medical professionals will be visiting the Obizi community to provide medical attention, replacing the annual medical mission. This initiative is expected to improve the health and wellbeing of community members.

The Special Guest of Honor, Hon. Aisha Braveboy, Council Executive and Chief Security Officer of Prince George’s County, was decorated with a traditional Obizi royal women’s uniform and presented with Obizi citizenship.

This gesture symbolizes her endorsement as a daughter of the Obizi soil and recognizes her commitment to improving the lives of community members.

In her remarks, Hon. Braveboy thanked the Obizi community for the recognition and assured them that she would continue to provide exceptional leadership focused on improving the wellbeing of all county residents.

She also promised to support the Nigerian diaspora community and provide grants to support Obizi USA’s community efforts.

Other notable dignitaries in attendance included Ambassador Amara Sowa of Sierra Leone to the USA and his wife, Lady Ono Achale, CEO of Serenity Health Care LLC. Spiritual leaders, including Rt. Rev’d Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, Bishop of Ahiara Mbaise Diocese, and Chief Sir and Mrs. SOS Echendu, were also present.

Former President of Mbaise USA, Chief (Ezeji) Alozie A. Aguwa, and the National President of Mbaise USA were among the notable attendees who added to the significance of the event.

The convention was chaired by Dr. Jude Onyegbado, who delivered opening remarks and thanked everyone for their support.

Dr. Joy Onyegbado played a key role in ushering Hon. Aisha Braveboy into the Obizi women’s membership.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the President of Obizi USA expressed gratitude to the hosting Chairman, Mr. Anthony Ukadilonu, and the Obizi Improvement Union of Washington D.C. for their impressive work in organizing the event.

He noted the importance of unity and community among Obizi people, citing the motto “Obizi onye aghala nwanneya” as a guiding principle.

The President noted that Obizi USA has three branches across the US, including Southern California, Houston, and Washington, D.C., with over 150 members.

He called on members in Michigan and nearby states to come together and form a branch, and expressed hope that a branch would be established in New York before the next convention in Houston in 2027.

The convention is a celebration of Obizi culture and heritage, with a focus on promoting unity and community among Obizi people.

The President emphasized the importance of preserving Obizi culture and traditions, and encouraged members to participate in the convention’s activities.

The convention features various activities, including cultural performances, keynote speeches among others.

The event provides a platform for Obizi people to come together and share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

One of the key initiatives highlighted during the convention was the medical mission project. The President thanked Dr. Tonna Alimole and other medical personnel for their exceptional work during the recent medical mission.

He noted that the medical mission was a success, and that it served as a call for young adults to engage with the Obizi USA community to improve the lives of Obizi people.

The President also mentioned the importance of healthcare initiatives in Obizi, and noted that Obizi USA is working to improve healthcare services in the community.

He thanked the medical personnel and youths who participated in the medical mission, and expressed gratitude to Mbaise USA for their collaboration and support.

The convention also focused on education and infrastructure development in Obizi. The President stressed the importance of education in promoting the development of the community, and noted that Obizi USA is working to improve education in Obizi.

He thanked the Education Development and Infrastructure Committee (EDIC) Chairman, Oke Nze Spencer Izuwa, and all the members for their incredible work in rebuilding public schools in Obizi.

The President noted that the proceeds from the convention would go towards remodeling or constructing new buildings for the four primary public/government schools in the community.

He also acknowledged the scholarship program initiated by the Obizi Youth Organization, led by Mr. Onyeakachi Anosike and Dr. Christian Nwadinhu.

He expressed gratitude to the Obizi Youth Organization for their efforts in promoting education in Obizi, and noted that the scholarship program is one of the main reasons why Obizi USA is gathered in Washington, D.C.

The President called on members and guests to support the scholarship program, and to contribute to the development of education in Obizi.

He said that education is key to the development of the community, and that Obizi USA is committed to promoting education in Obizi.

The President made a passionate call for support for the Obizi community’s development projects.

He urged members and guests to contribute financially and otherwise to support the initiatives, and noted that the proceeds from the convention would go towards rebuilding public schools and healthcare infrastructure in Obizi.

The President expressed gratitude to Chief Dr. Ebenezer Obonna and the National Convention Planning Committee for their fantastic work in organizing the convention.

He also thanked the traditional leaders and President Generals for their great services to the Obizi community.

Maintain Firm Faith in Lord Jesus, Bishop Ogunedo Advises

The All Saints Igbo Anglican Church in the DMV area has welcomed the Rt. Rev’d Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, Bishop of the Ahiara Mbaise Diocese, on July 27, 2025.

The event, which coincided with the church’s Girls’ Guild induction ceremony and Thanksgiving service, drew prominent members of the community, including Ven. Clinton Chukwuemeka Esonu, who served as the Chief Host of Honor.

During his sermon, Bishop Ogunedo emphasized the importance of maintaining firm faith in Lord Jesus, drawing from Bible verses Luke 11:1-13 and Colossians 2:6-8.

He encouraged the congregation to trust in God’s righteousness and supremacy, despite the atrocities prevalent in society.

The bishop cautioned against get-rich-quick schemes, advising the community to focus on obtaining God’s love and wealth through faith and perseverance.

Bishop Ogunedo’s message served as a call to action, encouraging Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s plan.

He urged the congregation to maintain their hopes in God, emphasizing that this is the only way to navigate the challenges of life.

His sermon provided a timely reminder of the importance of spiritual resilience in the face of adversity.

The bishop extended his gratitude to the family of Sir SOS Echendu for their support in making the event a reality.

He urged the congregation to continue praying for the family, acknowledging their significant contribution to the church’s activities.

The reception that followed at the residence of Engr. Aguiyi & Dr. Mrs. Delphine Nwachukwu provided an opportunity for attendees to fellowship and bond over the bishop’s inspiring message.

This event showcased the church’s commitment to building strong relationships among its members and promoting a sense of community.