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The founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, Pascal Dozie, is dead.
According to a statement issued by the family on Tuesday, the business tycoon died in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85.
The statement from his son, Uzoma Dozie, who represents the family, reads, “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
“He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith. 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.”
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was raised in a Catholic home, with his father, Charles Dozie, serving as a catechist.
His early brilliance took him from Our Lady’s School in Emekuku to the London School of Economics, where he studied economics and earned a master’s degree in administrative science.
Dozie had his early education at Our Lady’s School Emekuku, Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Seeking higher education abroad, he moved to the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.
He furthered his studies in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering before obtaining a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie played a critical role in Nigeria’s banking and telecom industries. In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, which became one of Nigeria’s most respected financial institutions before its eventual merger with Access Bank. He later handed the reins to his son, Uzoma.
In addition to his professional achievements, late Mr Dozie was a boardroom statesman who served on several corporate and public boards, helping shape corporate governance in Nigeria during the country’s economic liberalisation era.
Dozie was also instrumental to the launching of MTN Nigeria, serving as its pioneer chairman and helping to lead the telecom revolution in the country. His leadership style marked by humility, integrity, and long-term vision earned him widespread recognition, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
His contributions to the country’s economic growth earned him widespread respect. Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and five children.
Born on 9 April 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, late Mr Dozie’s academic journey took him from Our Lady’s School in Emekuku to the London School of Economics, where he earned a degree in economics. He later obtained a master’s degree in administrative science from City University, London.
Throughout his career, the late Mr Dozie was celebrated for his humility, long-term vision, and integrity. His contributions earned him national recognition, including the award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), one of Nigeria’s highest honours.
