Dozie’s passing has sparked widespread reflection on his enduring influence as a titan of industry and a champion of economic advancement in Nigeria
Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi Pay Tribute to Pascal Dozie, Founder of Defunct Diamond Bank
Pascal Dozie, the visionary founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank, passed away on Tuesday, just one day shy of his 86th birthday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from prominent Nigerian leaders.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie established Diamond Bank, which later merged with Access Bank, leaving a lasting mark on Nigeria’s financial landscape.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sympathies to the Dozie family, the business community, and the nation, hailing the late banker as a trailblazing entrepreneur whose legacy shaped Nigeria’s economic progress. In a statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted Dozie’s pivotal roles as the founder of Diamond Bank and the inaugural Chairman of MTN Nigeria.
“He was a driving force in two cornerstone industries—banking and telecommunications—that propelled Nigeria’s development,” the statement read.
Tinubu praised Dozie as an exceptional business leader whose wisdom, humility, and innovative spirit created a foundation for future generations. “His death is a significant loss to both the private sector and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.
Similarly, former President Olusegun Obasanjo mourned Dozie as a fearless pioneer of Nigerian entrepreneurship. In remarks shared by his spokesman, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo emphasized that Dozie’s invaluable contributions to the nation would be deeply missed. “Nigeria has lost a remarkable servant of the fatherland,” he said.
Dozie’s passing has sparked widespread reflection on his enduring influence as a titan of industry and a champion of economic advancement in Nigeria.
“I am impressed by his humility and his humanism,” the ex-president said, applauding Dozie for creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians with his entrepreneurial acumen.
“I celebrate a man who lived a life of purpose, a life of achievement, and who impacted the lives of many Nigerians by creating jobs and opportunities for generations,” he said.
Also, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, described the deceased banker as an inspiring business leader.
“I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.
“His legacy as a banker and entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence inspired countless individuals, and businesses.
“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his family and all of us who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”
Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke, described the late business tycoon as one of the finest minds of a generation.
He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Pascal Dozie – visionary entrepreneur, former central banker, philanthropist, and founder of Diamond Bank; just a day before his 86th birthday.
“A founding member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), he was deeply committed to good governance and Nigeria’s economic progress.
“What a year! Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark, and now Mr. Pascal Dozie. We have lost some of the finest minds of a generation.” Read More
