By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has hailed the late elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker Pascal Dozie as a visionary. Dozie, who died at 85, left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s economy, the president said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Dozie founded Diamond Bank and served as the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria. Tinubu noted that he led two key sectors—banking and telecommunications—shaping Nigeria’s growth. “His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms,” the president said.
In his condolence message to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians, Tinubu called Dozie a firm believer in Nigeria’s potential. He helped transform the financial services industry and boosted mobile connectivity nationwide.
Dozie also held major roles outside business. He was a director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group. For decades, he shaped national policies, supported private sector growth, and empowered youth.
Tinubu praised him as a unique leader. “He was 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,” he said.
The president prayed for Dozie’s soul to rest in peace. He offered condolences to Dozie’s wife, children, and extended family. Also, he urged the Nigerian private sector to honour Dozie by embracing his values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building.