Umeoji: Articulated strategies driving performance

Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions, has continued its impressive growth trajectory under the leadership of Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adaora Umeoji. Umeoji attributes the bank's stellar performance to the execution of well-articulated strategies that have yielded outstanding results. In a recent exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Umeoji highlighted the key factors driving Zenith Bank's success. The bank reported a remarkable 86% increase in gross earnings to 3.9 trillion naira, largely propelled by a surge in interest income. Umeoji emphasized the importance of Zenith Bank's core pillars of strong corporate governance, innovative technology, and exceptional customer service, laid down by the bank's founder and chairman, Dr. Jimu Viasierfar. These foundational principles have been instrumental in maintaining the bank's track record of excellence over the years. Key Points: 1. Impressive Financial Performance: Zenith Bank achieved record-breaking profitability with sound operational efficiency and robust capital adequacy. The bank's Tier one capital currently stands at 3.19 trillion naira, reinforcing its position as Nigeria's best bank in terms of tier one capital for 15 consecutive years. 2. Enhanced Shareholder Value: Shareholders can look forward to increased dividend payouts as Zenith Bank remains committed to delivering superior returns. The bank declared an interim dividend of 1 Naira per share and proposed a final dividend payout of 4 Naira per share for the year 2024, totaling 5 Naira per share, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year. 3. Future Growth and Expansion: Umeoji outlined Zenith Bank's growth strategy for 2025, focusing on leveraging Nigeria's economic rebound, global expansion, and technological advancements. The bank aims to explore opportunities in countries like Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Kenya while enhancing its IT infrastructure to drive electronic platforms and cater to the growing SME and retail segments. Quote: Reflecting on Zenith Bank's accomplishments, Umeoji expressed, "We are ready to build a first-in-class sustainable bank that will compete globally and outlive generations to come because Zenith is actually a dominant brand and we want to institutionalize it not just locally in Nigeria but in other economies." With a vision for continued growth, strategic expansion, and unwavering commitment to stakeholders, Zenith Bank under the leadership of Adaora Umeoji is well-positioned to maintain its position as a premier financial institution in Nigeria and beyond.