KEY POINTS 

• Pascal Dozie, founder of Diamond Bank and former MTN Nigeria Chairman, passed away at 85, a day before his 86th birthday.
• President Tinubu and other dignitaries praised his contributions to Nigeria’s banking, telecoms, and economic policy sectors.
• Dozie’s legacy includes leadership roles at the CBN, NSE, and NESG, as well as philanthropic efforts in education and entrepreneurship.

The Nigerian business community is mourning the loss of Pascal Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, who passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 85.

His death came just a day before his 86th birthday, leaving a void in Nigeria’s financial and entrepreneurial landscape.

Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was a trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking sector, founding Diamond Bank in 1990 before its eventual merger with Access Bank in 2019.

His visionary leadership extended beyond banking, as he also served as the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in the country’s telecommunications revolution.

A legacy of nation-building and economic transformation

President Bola Tinubu led tributes to the late industrialist, describing him as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build.”

In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized Dozie’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture, calling his passing “a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

Dozie’s influence was not confined to the boardroom. Channelstv reports that Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).

His dedication to policy formulation, private sector growth, and youth empowerment earned him widespread respect.

“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,” the president’s statement added.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Dozie was a philanthropist and mentor, supporting numerous educational and entrepreneurial initiatives. His leadership style—marked by integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to national development—set a benchmark for future generations.