Bukky Latunji, Chief Executive Officer of Intelfigura and former General Manager of Zenith Bank Plc, has described the bank's founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, as one of the most influential mentors in her professional life. Reflecting on her 27-year career at Zenith, Latunji shared insights in an article published by Intelfigura titled “Passion or Profit: What I Learned from Jim Ovia,” highlighting core values such as brand loyalty, customer-driven service, staff ownership, passion, and innovation as foundational to Zenith's culture of excellence.
Early Years and the Vision of a Pioneer
Latunji joined Zenith Bank in early 1993 as one of its pioneer staff members. “I witnessed the difference firsthand during my years at Zenith Bank Plc,” she said. Her early years taught her critical lessons about building a successful business, especially the importance of a clear vision and investing in people and technology.
“The founder, Jim Ovia—whom we called J.O.—was passionate about banking and technology. At a time when many older-generation Nigerian banks still relied heavily on manual processes, J.O. had a clear vision: Zenith would be an online, real-time bank,” she recalled. Latunji described this vision as ambitious and expensive for a young bank, but noted Ovia's willingness to invest in the technology, infrastructure, and human capital required to realize it.
A Hands-On Leader and a Culture of Excellence
Latunji remembered Ovia as remarkably hands-on, recounting her own interview experience. “Prospective employees had to meet the Managing Director in those days. My interview lasted less than five minutes—and I was hired. I wondered: What did he see so quickly? How did he know I would be a good fit? Many colleagues recruited during that period had similar stories,” she said.
She explained that Zenith deliberately recruited highly talented and driven individuals who were motivated by more than financial rewards. “Zenith deliberately hired brilliant, driven people motivated not only by money, but by the opportunity to build something exceptional. They took ownership—and that was how a culture of excellence was formed. We worked with speed, but accuracy mattered. We pursued customer-service excellence, avoided shortcuts and treated the business as though it belonged to us,” she stated.
From Conviction to Global Recognition
Reflecting on the bank's growth, Latunji attributed its present global recognition to Ovia's conviction and vision. “Today, Zenith Bank is globally recognised, but its success began with one man's conviction about what banking could become,” she said. She described Ovia as a lasting influence on her professional journey, teaching her that passion and profit should not be mutually exclusive in building a sustainable organisation.
“Jim Ovia remains one of the most influential mentors in my professional life because he taught me this: Profit may sustain a business, but passion gives it a standard. For us, it was always Zenith first. That culture grew from the founder's passion and vision. J.O. was not merely building a profitable business; he was building the kind of bank he believed should exist,” Latunji concluded.
Latunji spent 27 years at Zenith Bank and retired as a General Manager. She is the founder of INTEL FIGURA, a financial and business education platform offering practical insights on personal finance, investing, wealth building, business, entrepreneurship, and customer service. She is also a digital content creator and a wellness and fitness coach for women over 40.
