BY Anita Okoro
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Commercial Bank in Nigeria at the World Finance Banking Awards 2022, retaining the award for a second consecutive year.
The bank was also named the ‘Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria’ in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022.
The bank said the awards, which were presented to Ebenener Onyeagwu, its group managing director/chief executive of Zenith Bank Plc, at the London Stock Exchange, were in recognition of its ability to embrace digital transformation and best-in-class sustainability and corporate governance practices, leading to a stellar business performance in a difficult economic climate.
Speaking on the awards, Onyeagwu said they reflect Zenith Bank’s strong business fundamentals, resilience, and ability to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the market through its innovative solutions, as well as its commitment to global best practices.
“As a member and signatory to various domestic and international sustainability frameworks including the United Nations Global Compact and the Central Bank of Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles, we continue to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by creating value for our shareholders, customers, clients, investors, communities and the environment through our practices, operations and investments,” Onyeagwu said.
He dedicated the awards to Jim Ovia, founder and Group chairman of Zenith Bank, for his pioneering role in building the structures and laying the foundation for an enduring and very successful institution; the board for the outstanding leadership they provide; the staff for their commitment and dedication; and the bank’s customers for making Zenith Bank their preferred financial institution.
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, with these latest accolades coming on the heels of several recognitions including being voted as Best Bank in Nigeria for three consecutive years (2020 to 2022) in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best in Corporate Governance ‘Financial Services’ Africa for three consecutive years (2020 to 2022) by the Ethical Boardroom; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation In Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards; and Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020.
Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021, Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the “2021 Top 1000 World Banks” Ranking by The Banker Magazine, and the Retail Bank of the year at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Awards 2020 and 2021.
Similarly, Zenith Bank was honoured as Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020 and emerged winner in four categories at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021, carting home the awards for “Best Company in Reporting and Transparency”, “Best Company in Infrastructure Development”, “Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment”, and the coveted “Most Responsible Organisation in Africa.
