Prominent Businessman , Philanthropist and Founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, Pascal Dozie, has passed on to the great beyond.
The financial guru who died this Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the age of 85, joined his ancestors a day before his 86th birthday.
Ndaa Paschal as was popularly called was born on April 9, 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State and founded Diamond Bank before its merger with Access Bank.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of the elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker.
The president in a statement by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga noted with delight Dozie’s vision and contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture, describing them as an enduring legacy.
“As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications,” the statement observed.
President Tinubu further described Dozie as a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build, stressing that his death is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.
“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in 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, Chief Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, 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,” the statement pointed out.
