Zenith Bank Plc has marked two years of Adaora Umeoji as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
In posts on its Instagram page on Monday, the bank described her leadership as focused. “Two years of inspirational and focused leadership,” the bank wrote.
“Today and always, we celebrate our GMD/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji OON.”
Umeoji assumed office on June 1, 2024, becoming the first female chief executive in the bank’s history.
During her first two years in office, the bank recorded growth in profit, capital base, market value and international operations.
The bank became the first Nigerian lender to report profit after tax above N1 trillion in a financial year. It also reported similar profit levels in the following year.
Zenith Bank raised N614.65bn through a hybrid capital exercise after a rights issue and public offer that was oversubscribed. The funds were used to meet new capital requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The bank also exited the regulatory forbearance framework of the CBN after meeting related conditions.
In 2026, Zenith Bank became the first Nigerian bank to cross a market capitalisation of N5 trillion on the Nigerian Exchange. Its valuation later moved above N5.4 trillion as share price increased.
The share price rose from N61.80 in December 2025 to above N130 in 2026, according to market data.
Interest income also increased during the period, supported by lending activities and investment earnings.
Zenith Bank expanded its operations outside Nigeria during Umeoji’s tenure. The bank opened or strengthened presence in France, the United Kingdom, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.
The bank also introduced digital services, including upgrades to its core banking system and expansion of its mobile and online platforms.
Staff changes included salary adjustments and promotion exercises covering a large share of employees over two years.
The bank increased dividend payments from N5 per share to N10 per share between 2024 and 2025. Total dividend distribution for the period was about N550bn.
Zenith Bank retained its position as Nigeria’s largest lender by Tier-1 capital for the 17th consecutive year, according to The Banker magazine.
The bank received awards from Global Finance, World Finance, Euromoney, International Banker and other institutions for banking performance, governance and customer service.
Adaora Umeoji has worked at Zenith Bank for 28 years before becoming managing director. She has held roles across different departments in the bank.
She holds degrees in sociology, accounting and law, as well as postgraduate qualifications in business, law and management from institutions in Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States.
She is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and other financial and governance institutions.
Zenith Bank said it will continue to focus on growth, efficiency and expansion under her leadership.
