Late Pascal Dozie, the pioneering founder of Diamond Bank
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
The business community is mourning the loss of Pascal Dozie, the pioneering founder of Diamond Bank, who died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, just a day before his 86th birthday.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was a respected financial expert who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s banking sector.
Under his leadership, Diamond Bank grew into a prominent financial institution before its eventual merger with Access Bank. Dozie’s legacy as a trailblazing entrepreneur and banker continues to inspire new generations of business leaders.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are pouring in for the beloved financier, celebrating his remarkable life, achievements, and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS THE PASSING OF BUSINESS ICON PASCAL Dozie
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker.
President Tinubu in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said Chief Pascal Dozie, OON, was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy.
“As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications.
“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”, he said.
President Tinubu lauded Chief Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. He calls upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned.
