Nigeria mourns Pascal Dozie, the visionary founder of Diamond Bank and former chairman of MTN Nigeria, who Pascal Dozie dies Nigeria at the age of 85

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ascal Dozie, the esteemed founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has passed away.

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According to a statement released by his family on Tuesday, the prominent business leader died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85.

The statement, issued by his son Uzoma Dozie on behalf of the family, conveyed their deep sorrow alongside gratitude for his impactful life.

“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,” the statement read.

The family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith whose life was characterised 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.”

Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Pascal Dozie was raised in a devout Catholic household, with his father, Charles Dozie, serving as a catechist.

His early academic promise led him from Our Lady’s School in Emekuku to the prestigious London School of Economics, where he pursued his studies in economics and earned a master’s degree in administrative science from City University in London after further studies in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering.

Dozie’s early education also included attendance at Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College in Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination before his move to the United Kingdom for higher education.

Pascal Dozie played a pivotal role in the evolution of Nigeria’s banking and telecommunications sectors. In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, which grew into a highly respected financial institution in Nigeria before its eventual merger with Access Bank. He later passed the leadership of the bank to his son, Uzoma.

Furthermore, Dozie was instrumental in the launch of MTN Nigeria, serving as its pioneering chairman and playing a key role in the telecommunications revolution within the country.

His leadership, marked by humility, integrity, and a long-term vision, earned him widespread acclaim, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

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His significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth garnered him widespread respect across the nation. Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and their five children.