By: Amadi Vincent Uzoma
Zenith Bank Plc has been named the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the International Banker 2024 Banking Awards, retaining the title for the second continuous year.
The bank’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, said the recognition reaffirmed Zenith Bank’s position as a trailblazer in sustainable banking practices, setting a benchmark for fabulousness within the banking industry in Nigeria and beyond.
She said the bank has been a leader in monitoring and reporting supportability effects.
Dr. Umeoji noted that since becoming the first bank in Africa to distribute a stand-alone sustainability report in accordance with the GRI Standards: Center Option in 2016, Zenith Bank has reliably distributed guaranteed stand-alone sustainability reports.
She pointed out that the bank is one of the few institutions in Nigeria that tracks its carbon emissions, using a certified device built on the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Convention.
According to her, the bank is profoundly committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values, subscribing to the triple bottom-line guideline, which envelops individuals, the planet, and benefits.
As a leading financial institution that services different segments of the economy, the bank considers Environmental and Social (E&S) risk management basic to its sustainability procedure.
She said: “We are deeply honored to be recognized as the most Sustainable Bank in Nigeria for the second time in a row. This prestigious award underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability and reinforces our belief that responsible banking is essential for long-term success and societal impact.”
Dedicating the award to Dr. Jim Ovia, Zenith Bank Plc Founder and Chairman Dr. Umeoji
Dr. Umeoji said: “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the visionary and impactful leadership of our Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia. His exceptional foresight and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success.
“His ability to inspire and guide with strategic acumen has been instrumental in steering Zenith Bank to new heights. Along with the key guidance of our esteemed Board members, the unwavering commitment of our ever-diligent staff, and the steadfast support of our loyal customers, Dr. Ovia’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming our sustainability initiatives into a reality.
Published by Finance Publishing Limited, the International Banker Magazine, United Kingdom (UK), is a leading global source of authoritative analysis and opinion on managing an account, fund, and world affairs. Its impact, judgment, precision, and objective opinion have earned it global acknowledgment.
The International Banker Awards strive to recognize the foremost commendable money-related education around the world – those not just doing their employments well but exceptionally well – those working at the industry’s cutting edge and setting modern execution levels to which others will aspire. The 2024 Banking Awards focused on different criteria, including the provision of much-needed capital for economic growth, cutting-edge innovation to upgrade security and effectiveness, commitment to supportability and ESG standards, as well as shrewdly contributing to boost benefits and shareholder value.
Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent execution has proceeded to win the brand various grants, including being perceived as the Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022, and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria within the Euromoney Awards 2023; being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being perceived as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 14th consecutive year in 2023 Best 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.
