Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most accomplished business leaders, Pascal Dozie, who passed away at the age of 85, just a day before what would have been his 86th birthday.
Family sources confirmed that the elder statesman died peacefully after a battle with old age-related illness. His death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s banking and telecommunications sectors, where Dozie left an indelible mark.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Pascal Dozie was a pioneer, a visionary, and a mentor to many. He studied Economics at the London School of Economics and went on to earn a master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University, London, before returning to Nigeria to begin a lifelong journey of business transformation and leadership.
Dozie was best known as the founder of Diamond Bank, a financial institution that grew from humble beginnings into one of Nigeria’s top-tier commercial banks before its eventual merger with Access Bank. Under his leadership, Diamond Bank became a symbol of innovation and customer-focused banking.
Long before mobile money and fintech became buzzwords, Dozie had already begun laying the groundwork for modern banking in Nigeria. His foresight helped democratize banking services and usher in a new era of financial inclusion.
Beyond banking, Pascal Dozie made a significant mark as Chairman of MTN Nigeria, helping steer the company through its formative years into becoming Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider. His tenure laid the foundation for the digital revolution that would follow in Nigeria.
He also served as Chairman of Pan-Atlantic University, contributing to the development of ethical and competent business leaders through education.
In addition, Dozie founded the African Development Consulting Group, advising major multinationals such as Nestlé and Pfizer, and further deepening his influence in both local and international business circles.
For his contributions to Nigeria’s private sector, Dozie was honored with the Order of the Niger (OON), one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. He is remembered not only as a business leader but also as a nation builder and a mentor who paved the way for many of today’s industry captains.
Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere Dozie, and five children, including Uzoma Dozie, who followed in his father’s footsteps in the financial industry and also served as CEO of Diamond Bank.
As Nigeria pays tribute to a life lived in service of progress and innovation, Pascal Dozie’s legacy remains one of resilience, excellence, and lasting impact.
“A titan of industry, a builder of institutions, and a man of grace. Nigeria says goodbye to one of its finest.”
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