The renowned founder of defunct Diamond Bank and a trailblazer in Nigeria’s finance and telecommunications sectors, Pascal Dozie, has passed away at the age of 86 years, according to Arise News.
His death, occurring just a day before his birthday, marks the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most impactful business leaders.
Dozie, born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, demonstrated exceptional brilliance from an early age. He began his educational journey at Our Lady’s School in Emekuku, eventually advancing to the prestigious London School of Economics, where he earned a degree in Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science.
Founding Diamond Bank
In 1990, Dozie established Diamond Bank, a financial institution that quickly earned a reputation for its innovative approach to banking in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, Diamond Bank grew into one of the country’s most respected banks before merging with Access Bank in a landmark transaction.
Following his retirement, he entrusted the leadership of the bank to his son, Uzoma Dozie, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Pascal Dozie’s contributions were not confined to banking alone. He played a pivotal role in the launch of MTN Nigeria, serving as its pioneer chairman.
His vision and leadership helped drive the telecommunications revolution in Nigeria, transforming communication across the nation. As chairman, he steered MTN Nigeria through its formative years, making it a household name and a cornerstone of the mobile technology landscape.
What you should know
- Throughout his illustrious career, Dozie was celebrated for his humility, integrity, and long-term vision—qualities that earned him widespread respect across Nigeria and beyond.
- In recognition of his contributions to nation-building, he was bestowed with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s highest national honors.
- As Nigeria mourns the loss of a leader who reshaped both its financial and telecommunications landscapes, Pascal Dozie’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and leaders.
Tributes for a renowned entrepreneur
Tributes have continued to pour in for the visionary entrepreneur.
- President Bola Tinubu described Dozie as an elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker.
- In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said Chief Pascal Dozie, OON, was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy.
“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.
“In addition to his business acumen, Chief Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment,” Tinubu said
Landmark Africa Group, where Dozie was chairman of the board of directors, mourned his passing on Tuesday in a post on X.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our esteemed Chairman of our board of directors, Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD).
“His leadership and commitment to ensuring the growth of the Landmark Group will be sorely missed,” it wrote.
Former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke Jr, said he is deeply “saddened by the passing of Mr. Pascal Dozie – visionary entrepreneur, former central banker, philanthropist, and founder of Diamond Bank; just a day before his 86th birthday”.
He said Dozie is founding member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), who was deeply committed to good governance and Nigeria’s economic progress.
“What a year! Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark, and now Mr. Pascal Dozie. We have lost some of the finest minds of a generation. May their souls rest in peace,” he wrote.
