Xenophobia: Jim Ovia Withdraws from World Economic Forum in South Africa

Ronke Kehinde/

Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, has withdrawn from participating at the World Economic Forum Africa 2019 holding in Cape Town, in solidarity with Nigerians protesting the hate attacks on their compatriots in South Africa.

The leading banker announced his withdrawal today in a statement sent to NewsmakersNG.

The statement reads: “Following the hypersensitivity of the issues surrounding the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens living in South Africa and to contribute his voice against the poor state of security regarding foreign nationals living in Africa, the Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Jim Ovia has withdrawn from further activities at the World Economic Forum Africa 2019, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Before making his exit, Mr Ovia stressed the need for youth empowerment and better government policies to curb continual attacks on persons living within and outside Africa. He belaboured that until positive change towards collective growth happens on this front, the continent would not reach its potential.

“Mr Ovia added that full support should be rendered in vocational education of the young persons living in not just Nigeria but Africa. According to him, the Jim Ovia Foundation has taken up a stance on this issue, having empowered over 3,500 students and entrepreneurs since its inception. He called on other members of the private sector to join hands and solve this menace plaguing the African continent.”

Several bodies and world leaders have also boycotted events in South Africa in the wake of the attacks on Nigerians.

Zambia’s football association called off its friendly match against South Africa due to the attacks, which had also led Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Malawi President, Prof Mutharika, Nigerian leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, to withdraw from the World Economic Forum holding in South Africa.