Pascal Dozie, Visionary Founder Of Diamond Bank, Passes Away At 85.
In a significant loss to Nigeria’s business community, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, the revered founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a titan of the nation’s banking and telecommunications sectors, has passed away at the age of 85. The news was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement released earlier today, Tuesday, 8 April 2025, just a day before what would have been his 86th birthday.
Dozie’s death marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s financial landscape, where he left an indelible mark as a pioneering entrepreneur and visionary leader. His son, Uzoma Dozie, who also served as CEO of Diamond Bank, announced the passing, saying, “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.”
Born on 9 April 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was raised in a devout Catholic household, with his father, Charles Dozie, serving as a catechist. His early education took him through Our Lady’s School in Emekuku, Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College in Owerri, where he earned his West African Senior School Certificate. He later pursued higher education in the United Kingdom, graduating with a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Master’s in Administrative Science from City University, London. Armed with this robust academic foundation, Dozie returned to Nigeria with a mission to transform its economic landscape.
In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, a financial institution that quickly rose to prominence as one of Nigeria’s most respected and innovative banks. Under his stewardship, the bank introduced pioneering technologies, such as the Diamond Integrated Banking System (DIBS), which revolutionised branch connectivity and customer service. Diamond Bank grew into a household name before its merger with Access Bank in 2019, a move that cemented Dozie’s legacy in modernising Nigeria’s banking sector.
Beyond banking, Dozie played a pivotal role in the telecommunications industry as the inaugural chairman of MTN Nigeria. His leadership helped establish the company as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s mobile connectivity revolution in the early 2000s. His influence extended to other key roles, including serving as a director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, reflecting his deep commitment to national development.
Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond. President Bola Tinubu described Dozie as “a rare breed of businessman” whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left “an enduring legacy.” In a statement, Tinubu said, “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. I urge the Nigerian private sector to honour his memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building for which he was renowned.”
Dozie’s impact was not limited to boardrooms. Known for his humility and generosity, he mentored countless young professionals and championed youth empowerment initiatives. His son Uzoma’s tenure as Diamond Bank CEO continued this family legacy of leadership and innovation.
Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, their five children, and several grandchildren. The family has not yet announced funeral arrangements but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. “We thank God for the gift of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” Uzoma added.
As Nigeria mourns the loss of one of its most influential business figures, Pascal Dozie’s life stands as a testament to the power of vision, faith, and dedication to progress. His contributions will continue to shape the nation’s economic story for generations to come.
