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Jim Ovia, Nigeria’s wealthiest banker and a key figure in the country’s banking industry, has seen the market value of his stake in Zenith Bank decline significantly due to a recent drop in the lender’s share price.
The leading Nigerian banker and business executive, who ranks as one of Africa’s wealthiest individuals, has witnessed an N18.26 billion ($14.63 million) decline in the market value of his Zenith Bank stake over the past 13 days. This decline is driven by the sustained fall in the shares of the prominent Nigerian Exchange (NGX)-listed lender.
This recent downturn follows a surge in the market value of Jim Ovia’s stake in Zenith Bank, which increased by $41 million between Feb. 28 and April 8, rising from N164.6 billion ($132.2 million) to N215.56 billion ($173.1 million).
Zenith Bank’s market cap falls below $1 billion
Zenith Bank, a leading commercial bank licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, is not only a prominent financial services provider in Nigeria and anglophone West Africa but also holds the title of Nigeria’s most profitable bank. It is also one of the largest listed financial services groups on the NGX.
The bank recently declared a final dividend payout of N109.89 billion ($88.3 million) for the 2023 fiscal year, showcasing its strong financial performance. This record dividend payout underscores its commitment to shareholder value and its position as a leader in Nigeria’s banking sector.
In recent times, its shares have declined nine percent on the NGX, falling from N40.00 ($0.0323) on April 12 to N36.60 ($0.02959) on Thursday. This decline has pushed the bank’s market capitalization below $1 billion, resulting in losses for shareholders, including Ovia, a significant stakeholder in the Lagos-based lender.
Jim Ovia’s stake slumps below $150 million
Jim Ovia, a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s banking industry’s evolution and digital transformation, founded Zenith Bank in 1990. With a 16.2 percent stake in the financial services group, comprising 5,072,104,311 ordinary shares, he remains the wealthiest banker in the country.
According to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, Ovia’s stake has decreased by N18.26 billion ($14.63 million) over the past 13 days, declining from N202.88 billion ($162.53 million) on April 12 to N184.62 billion ($147.90 million) on Thursday. Despite this setback, Ovia retains his status as Nigeria’s richest banker, underscoring his success as a leading businessman in the nation.
