The Chairman and Founder of Zenith Bank, Dr. Jim Ovia, has said he founded an IT firm, Cyberspace Group, in 1995 and was determined to nurture it to greatness.

Cyberspace which celebrated its 30th anniversary in Lagos marked three decades of innovation and service excellence.

Speaking at the anniversary, the founder Ovia said himself and his wife, Kay Ovia, strove hard to make the firm compete with multi-nationals.

The founder, who is also the chairman and founder of Zenith Bank, said his IT firm was a pioneer IT provider for banks and other financial institutions in the country.

“From humble beginnings, Cyberspace Limited has become an award-winning and trusted provider of connectivity services to most Nigerian banks, government institutions, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate organisations”, he said.

From its unassuming beginning, he said its growth and accomplishments were results of hard work and determination.

While speaking to the press, Mrs Kay Ovia, chairman of the Cyberspace Group, remarked on the company’s future, saying, “We have made it this far; we will certainly make it to a hundred.”

During his speech, the National President of ATCON, Mr Tony Emoekpere also praised the evolution and growth of the Group as inspirational.

“Your transformation from an early digital dial-up service to a dynamic and diversified company offering fintech, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise networking solutions is nothing short of inspirational,” he said.

At the event, the Cyberspace Group launched Erdvora, a bespoke learning management system, and WatchGRID, a cost-effective and scalable surveillance solution.Several media resources recounting testimonials from existing clients, a historical documentary of the Cyberspace journey, and product launches for Erdvora and WatchGRID were also unveiled.

Mr Tokoni Igoin, the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on ICT to the President, paid tribute to the founder of Cyberspace Group: “…Dr JiM Ovia, who founded Zenith Bank, one of Africa’s most successful and technologically advanced financial institutions. A man who dared to dream of a Nigeria where banking could be secure, scalable, and digital, and made it happen. Through Cyberspace, he laid the groundwork for enterprise connectivity and infrastructure long before it became what it is today.”

Daily Trust reports that several awards were bestowed on partners and clients in recognition of their roles in the Group’s history.