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Zenith Bank to Pay Founder Jim Ovia N5.18 Billion Dividend for First Half of 2025
Zenith Bank Plc will pay its founder and chairman, Jim Ovia, about N5.18 billion in interim dividends for the first half of 2025, making him one of the biggest beneficiaries of the bank’s latest payout to shareholders.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The payment follows the bank’s declaration of an interim dividend of N1.20 per share for the six months ending June 30, 2025. The bank announced the dividend after releasing its half-year financial results, which showed strong performance despite economic challenges in Nigeria.
Ovia, who holds a significant stake in the bank through direct and indirect shareholdings, will receive the largest share of the dividend. His influence as the founder and long-time chairman has positioned him at the center of Zenith’s growth since its creation in 1990.
The interim dividend is expected to reward not only Ovia but also thousands of shareholders who have invested in Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. The total payout runs into billions of naira, underlining the bank’s profitability and its ability to return value to investors.
Zenith Bank has remained one of the most consistent dividend-paying companies in Nigeria. In recent years, it has gained a reputation for balancing growth with shareholder rewards. The N1.20 per share declared this half year compares to N1.00 per share declared in the same period of 2024, signaling improved earnings.
Financial analysts say the dividend announcement reflects the bank’s resilience amid high inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and regulatory pressures in the Nigerian banking industry. “Zenith has shown it can deliver profits even in tough conditions, and this interim dividend proves its stability,” said Lagos-based market analyst Adewale Johnson.
According to the bank’s financial statement, gross earnings for the first half of 2025 grew by double digits compared with last year. Profit before tax also rose, supported by stronger interest income, fees, and foreign exchange revaluation gains. The improved earnings allowed the board to recommend a higher interim dividend.
For Jim Ovia, the payout of about N5.18 billion adds to his fortune as one of Nigeria’s richest bankers. Ovia, often referred to as the “Godfather of Banking,” founded Zenith Bank 35 years ago and built it into one of Africa’s most respected financial brands. He is also a philanthropist and businessman with investments in real estate, telecommunications, and education.
Dividend payments like this are closely watched in Nigeria, where many investors rely on them as a steady source of income. With the naira under pressure and stock prices volatile, cash dividends are seen as a sign of confidence and reward for shareholders’ patience.
Zenith’s consistent payout also strengthens its image with international investors. The bank is listed on the Nigerian Exchange and has attracted foreign interest over the years due to its strong balance sheet and corporate governance practices.
Looking ahead, the bank said it will continue to focus on digital banking, expanding its regional presence, and supporting Nigeria’s economy. The final dividend for the 2025 financial year will be announced after the full-year results are published in early 2026, giving investors another chance to benefit.
For now, Jim Ovia’s N5.18 billion windfall stands as a reminder of the wealth that can flow from long-term investment and leadership in one of Nigeria’s most important industries.
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“Kano Will Fall!” – NDC Candidate Declares Total War On APC Ahead Of 2027.
Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate for Kano State, has declared his firm belief that his party will defeat the incumbent administration in the 2027 elections. During a recent event to affirm his candidacy, the former deputy governor emphasized the unity between the NDC and the Kwankwasiyya movement, asserting their shared determination to lead Kano State in a new direction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gwarzo reaffirmed the movement’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of its leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stating, “We are the followers of Kwankwaso. We are here, and we continue to pray day and night. By the will of Allah, this government will be defeated in a single stroke.” He pointed to the palpable enthusiasm within the movement as clear evidence that democratic change is well within reach.
Looking toward the upcoming election, Gwarzo outlined a strategy centered on robust grassroots mobilization and consistent engagement with the electorate. He also encouraged his supporters to maintain peace and adhere to the law as the political climate heats up. Finally, he called on the people of Kano to critically evaluate the performance of their political leaders to ensure they are prepared to make informed choices at the ballot box.
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“Relief At Last!” – Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price To ₦1,250 Per Litre.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), lowering it from ₦1,275 to ₦1,250 per litre, marking a two per cent reduction. This price shift is attributed to a decline in international crude oil prices, which serve as the refinery’s primary feedstock. An official from the refinery noted that such adjustments are expected in a deregulated market and emphasized that the company will continue to calibrate prices based on evolving market conditions. Despite this move, current retail prices at many filling stations across Nigeria remain above ₦1,350 per litre, with costs varying by location and marketer.Beyond pricing, the refinery has been credited as a key driver of Nigeria’s improving economic outlook. S&P Global Ratings recently upgraded the country’s long-term foreign- and local-currency sovereign credit ratings from “B-” to “B,” citing factors such as stronger economic growth, increased oil production, and improved external balances. S&P specifically highlighted the operational ramp-up of the Dangote refinery’s 650,000-barrel-per-day facility as a significant contributor to the nation’s enhanced balance-of-payments position and overall economic resilience.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Political Grudge Match: Ganduje Mocks Kwankwaso, Declares Him His Former “Political Boy”!.
A political war of words has erupted between former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The friction began when Kwankwaso, speaking at his Kano residence, insisted that prominent politicians—including Ganduje—owe their political rise to his mentorship and cannot deny their past loyalty to him. Ganduje, currently performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, responded through his chief of staff, Muhammad Garba, by asserting that Kwankwaso was actually his own protégé. Ganduje highlighted his role in Kwankwaso’s early career, including his support during Kwankwaso’s rise to the House of Representatives and his decision to step down as a gubernatorial candidate in 1998 to serve as Kwankwaso’s deputy. Ultimately, Ganduje advocated for moving away from “godfather” labels to focus on effective leadership and peace in Kano.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Option 2: Concise Summary
Following Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s claims that top Kano politicians were once his “political boys,” Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has fired back, asserting he was actually the mentor in their relationship. While Kwankwaso insisted that his former allies owe their success to his political structure, Ganduje countered by citing his own past support for Kwankwaso’s career, including his sacrifice during the 1998 Kano governorship race. Furthermore, Ganduje requested respect for the office of current Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and urged Kano’s political class to prioritize unity over divisive rhetoric regarding past hierarchies.
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