Pascal Dozie, the visionary founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank and former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 85, just one day shy of his 86th birthday.
Known for his transformative impact on Nigeria’s banking and telecommunications sectors, Dozie’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s business community.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Imo State, Dozie was a key architect in shaping the modern banking landscape in Nigeria. His legacy includes the founding of Diamond Bank, which later merged with Access Bank, and his role in launching MTN’s successful operations in Nigeria.
His leadership was not limited to corporate boardrooms; he also served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria and held several positions influencing national economic policy, including as president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
In a tribute, President Bola Tinubu described Dozie as a rare business leader, whose wisdom and humility were foundational to Nigeria’s economic progress. Tinubu urged the private sector to continue Dozie’s work in promoting integrity, innovation, and nation-building.
The passing of Pascal Dozie is a profound loss to Nigeria’s business landscape, leaving behind an enduring legacy of leadership, innovation, and service to the nation
