Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has a remarkable story that reminds us that life often comes full circle.
Many years ago, long before politics, Shettima worked at Zenith Bank. He rose through the ranks and eventually left in 2007 as a General Manager, stepping away from banking to pursue a career in public service.
From that point, his journey in politics began. Over the years, he served as a Commissioner, Governor, Senator, and today, he stands as the Vice President of Nigeria. Yet, despite all these achievements, Shettima never forgot the institution that gave him his early wings. He has consistently spoken with pride about how Zenith Bank transformed his life, even fondly referring to himself as a “Jim Ovia boy,” in honor of the bank’s founder.
Yesterday, at Zenith Bank’s 35th Anniversary celebration held at Eko Hotel, that story of loyalty and gratitude played out in a powerful way. When Shettima arrived, Jim Ovia, the founder and chairman of the bank — and Shettima’s former boss — rose from his seat to personally receive him. He was the only guest accorded such honor, not just because of their history but also by virtue of his office as Vice President.
It was a symbolic moment, a true life circle on display: a young banker who once worked under Jim Ovia now returned decades later as the Vice President of the nation, celebrated by the very institution that shaped his path.
A timeless reminder that the way we treat people in their early stages can echo far into the future. Life, indeed, is in cycles.
©️ Chukwudi Iwuchukwu