Nigeria’s leading financial institution, Zenith Bank Plc, officially opened its Manchester, United Kingdom (UK) branch on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in efforts to expand its network internationally and strengthen financial connections between Africa and global markets.
The well attended programme had in attendance distinguished personalities from all over the world, including top government officials and key private sector operators, among them, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of State for Finance, and Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by Ms. Aisha Rimi, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
Also in attendance were Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Internal Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, UK Trade Envoy, Florence Eshalomi, DG Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and other key government and private sector personalities from Nigeria, the UK and far beyond.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, spoke glowingly about the towering financial institution that was founded over 35 years ago by Dr. Jim Ovia, the Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank, the man who she said is now widely and rightly acclaimed as the godfather of modern Nigerian banking. Dr. Ovia was also present at the event.
From the Caribbeans came Ms. Dawn Simpson, an International Advisor for Suriname, who made a pitch, on the sidelines, for Zenith Bank, the banking powerhouse of the African continent, one of the best and most profitable banks in Sub Saharan Africa and beyond, to also begin operations in the Caribbean region. She used the opportunity to invite global investors and strategic partners to Suriname, a promising investors’ haven in South America, to visit, explore opportunities first hand, and experience the vast potential the oil-producing country has to offer.
The new Zenith Bank branch in Manchester, according to the bank, will work closely with its existing London operations as well as its broader international network to support clients who seek to expand their operations across markets and unlock new opportunities in both the United Kingdom and Africa.
With headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, Zenith Bank operates over 500 branches and business offices across the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It currently operates subsidiaries in several African countries including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Cote d’Ivoire and maintains presence in major international financial centres, including the UK, France, UAE and China.
Pictures here show some of the dignitaries that graced the historic ceremony which was also laced with good music and networking opportunities.
