From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and the Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), have condoled with the family, business community and all Nigerians for the death of Chief Pascal Dozie.
The elder statesman, entrepreneur and banker died at the age of 85.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, acknowledged Dozie’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape.
He said the late Dozie left an enduring legacy as the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneering Chairman of MTN Nigeria.
“He was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey – banking and telecommunications.
“A steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, he was instrumental to 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, he served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“He was also the 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 further commended him as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continued to build.
“His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”
Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Dozie’s soul and extended his condolences to his wife, children and extended family.
The president urged the Nigerian private sector to honour Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation and nation-building for which he was renowned.
Chief Obasanjo said he was saddened by his demise, describing him as one of the country’s most undaunted entrepreneurs.
“I am grateful to God because of his life well spent in the service of our fatherland,” the statement added.
It further stated that the business community would miss his immense contributions to the building of a new Nigeria of his dreams.
Obasanjo further described Dozie as “a serial entrepreneur,” who rose to become one of the major icons in the Nigerian business and entrepreneurial community in the 20th and 21st Centuries.
“I am impressed by his humility and humanism. He had friends across the social strata and did not discriminate, irrespective of age or social status.”
He also stated that the deceased created thousands of jobs for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion, through his numerous business ventures.
“I celebrate a man who lived the life of purpose, a life of achievement and who impacted the lives of many Nigerians by creating jobs and opportunities for generations.
“I believe nature will remember him as one of those diamonds that Nigeria produced.
“The sympathy with the family and his loved ones since his death was announced is a testimony to the enduring comradeship and friendship which Paschal forged in his years of service to our nation, for he was a great man.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time as they mourn the passing of this illustrious son of Africa,” the elder statesman added.
Mr Obi, in his condolence message on his X handle, expressed sadness over the demise of the business mogul.
“I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr. Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem.
“I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.
“His legacy as a banker and an entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership and commitment to excellence, which inspired countless individuals and businesses.”
Obi prayed that God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest and grant his family and all who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.
“May God Almighty bless his family always,” he added.
ACAMB President, Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, described the death of the founder of defunct Diamond Bank as a loss to the banking and financial services sector, adding that his contributions would continue to inspire future generations in the banking and corporate sectors.
“Dozie’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.
“We join the Nigerian banking community in mourning the passing away of Pascal Gabriel Dozie, a visionary leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped our financial landscape.”
Bolarinwa extolled his entrepreneurial and sterling skills that led to the founding of Diamond Bank in 1990, before its later merger with the Access Bank.
He also highlighted his contributions in shaping the telecommunications sector as the pioneer chairman of MTN Nigeria.
“His commitment to integrity, long-term vision and service to the nation earned him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
“His legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy.
“His passing is a profound loss, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations in the banking and corporate sectors,” Bolarinwa said.