…Bankers, business moguls, others pay glowing tributes
By Merit Ibe and Chinwendu Obienyi
Pascal Dozie, a towering figure in Nigeria’s banking sector and entrepreneurial spheres, passed on yesterday, an eve to his 86th birthday.
The Founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc (which has merged with Access Bank) and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, was reported to have succumbed to old age related illness.
Like a colossus that loomed large, late Dozie embodied success and perseverance and he is being applauded for leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s financial and business worlds.
With decades of success in banking and business, Dozie’s legacy is a testament to vision, resilience, and leadership.
In recognition of his remarkable contributions, bankers, shareholders, politicians, and industry leaders have come forward to celebrate his achievements, offering glowing tributes to a man whose influence transcended the walls of the banking world and shaped the wider business environment in Nigeria.
He left behind five children, including his son, Uzoma Dozie, who announced his demise in a statement.
He described his late father as a devoted husband, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith.
He said: “With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, on 8th April 2025
“His life was marked by service to God, his family, and his country.
“He is survived by his loving wife, Chinyere, his children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him.
“We thank God for the gift of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Early life
Born on April 9, 1939, in the serene town of Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Pascal Dozie’s life was shaped by a deep-rooted faith and the guidance of his father, Charles Dozie, a dedicated catechist. Raised in a Catholic home, Dozie’s early years were filled with discipline, humility and a natural brilliance that would eventually propel him to the highest echelons of business and entrepreneurship.
Dozie’s educational journey began at Our Lady’s School in Emekuku, where his sharp intellect quickly set him apart. He continued his studies at the Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College in Owerri, where he earned his West African Senior School Certificate Examination. Eager to broaden his horizons, Dozie ventured to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). His academic curiosity and drive did not end there; he went on to study Operational Research and Industrial Engineering before achieving a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London.
With a foundation built on education, Dozie returned to Nigeria to make a lasting impact. His journey as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking and telecommunications sectors is nothing short of extraordinary.
Accomplishments
In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, an institution that would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most respected financial entities. His visionary leadership turned the bank into a pillar of stability and innovation in Nigeria’s banking landscape before its eventual merger with Access Bank. As a testament to his enduring influence, Dozie passed on the leadership mantle to his son, Uzoma, ensuring the continuation of his legacy.
Dozie’s remarkable contributions extended beyond banking into the telecommunications sector, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of MTN Nigeria. As the company’s pioneering chairman, he was instrumental in guiding Nigeria through the telecom revolution, ensuring millions of Nigerians had access to mobile communication and digital services. His leadership, rooted in integrity, vision, and a strong commitment to Nigeria’s development, left an indelible mark on the country’s technological advancement.
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Dozie was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of the nation’s highest honors. This accolade stands as a reflection of his lifelong dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth and his unyielding commitment to progress.
Pascal Dozie’s life was one of trailblazing success, unflinching dedication and profound impact. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians to dream big, lead with integrity, and build businesses that contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. He is survived by his beloved wife, Chinyere, and five children, who proudly carry forward his values and vision.
Tributes
Several investment bankers, analysts, and investors in the stock market, in conversations with Daily Sun, have hailed Pascal Dozie as an icon of integrity and excellence. They emphasised that his legacy, both as a banker and an Several investment bankers, analysts, and investors in the stock market, in conversations with Daily Sun, have hailed Pascal Dozie as an icon of integrity and excellence. They emphasized that his legacy, both as a banker and an entrepreneur, stands as a testament to his unwavering vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence—qualities that inspired countless individuals and businesses alike.
The Director General, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, hailed Dozie as a major pillar of the Nigerian private sector.
“He played a very strategic role in ensuring that we have the right kind of policies and institutions to support private sector development and the growth of investment.
He also participated actively in the establishment of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, which is today a leading platform for private sector advocacy and public-private partnership and dialogue.
He was a leading indigenous entrepreneur and investor, a man of integrity who was respected globally for his stature, not only in the financial services sector but across all sectors of the economy.
“His contributions to the economy, particularly to private sector development, are immeasurable.
He will be remembered greatly for these immense contributions, which are indelible. May his soul rest in peace”.
Also also adoring the late business tycoon, the Lagos Chair, National Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI), Mrs Gertrude Akhimien said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of Dr. Pascal Dozie. As a leader, he was not only kind and compassionate but also a true mentor, always ready to guide rather than reprimand. His intellect and sharp wit as an entrepreneur were unmatched, and under his visionary leadership, Diamond Bank rose to become one of the country’s foremost financial institutions before his retirement. Dr. Dozie’s legacy as a mentor to countless entrepreneurs will endure, and we, who had the privilege of serving under such a dynamic and inspirational figure, will forever cherish his contributions. May his soul rest in peace”.
Femi Awoyemi, a respected financial analyst and Founder of Proshare, expressed his condolences, saying, “My heartfelt sympathies go to the Dozie family. Pascal Dozie was a remarkable force for good, playing a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the ecosystem. May his soul find eternal peace.”
Morris Monye, another financial analyst, said, “Mr. Dozie was a prominent figure in the banking sector and was highly esteemed within the industry. I extend my deepest condolences to his family during this difficult time. His pivotal role in founding Diamond Bank and contributions to the development of the Nigerian banking sector have earned him deep respect across industries.
The National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, said, “Dozie was more than a business mogul or even entrepreneur personally to shareholders right from the defunct Diamond Bank or he being the chairman, MTN Nigeria. What a man, free from scandals, trustworthy, brilliant, so brilliant, and innovative to the very core.
I was shocked this morning when I learnt about his demise, I can only pay my respects to him. I am short of words”.
Founder, Arewa TechFest, Deji Garuba, said, A titan has bowed out. Dozie was more than an entrepreneur. He was a visionary who laid the foundation for modern finance and technology in Nigeria. His legacy lives on in every bold founder and every leap we take in this ecosystem. Thank you, sir.
Rest well”.