Zenith Bank Plc chairman and founder Jim Ovia is set to receive about N5.18 billion as interim dividend for the first half the year.
Mr Ovia directly holds 4.14 billion shares in the bank, qualifying him for the interim dividend of N1.25 per share.
This represents a 25% increase from the N1.00 per share paid in the same period of 2024.
His indirect shareholding of 1.65 billion units is not included in the N5.18 billion payout. If added, his total entitlement would rise by N2.06 billion.
Zenith Bank reported a profit before tax of N625.63 billion for the half-year ended June 30, compared to N727 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.
Gross earnings rose 20% year-on-year to N2.5 trillion, with interest income climbing 60% to N1.8 trillion.
Net interest income increased 90% to N1.4 trillion, while non-interest income contributed N613 billion.
Profit after tax stood at N532 billion, with earnings per share at N12.95.
The bank reported total assets of N31 trillion, customer deposits of N23 trillion, a capital adequacy ratio of 26%, a non-performing loan ratio of 3.1% and a liquidity ratio of 69%.
The lender said the interim dividend reflects its policy of rewarding shareholders as it marks its 35th anniversary in 2025.
For the 2024 financial year, Ovia was entitled to N25.4 billion in dividends, following Zenith’s profit after tax of N1.03 trillion.
He earned N16.24 billion in 2022 and N11.35 billion in 2023 from dividend payouts.
Ovia founded Zenith Bank in 1990 and served as chief executive officer until 2010 when he became chairman.
He also has investments in real estate, telecommunications and technology.
