April 9, 2025 | Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria is in mourning following the death of Pascal Gabriel Dozie, renowned economist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 86.
Dozie, the iconic founder of Diamond Bank and former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, was a towering figure in Nigeria’s economic landscape. His passing marks the end of a remarkable era defined by visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and transformative contributions to the country’s financial and digital infrastructure.
Among the many tributes pouring in, Dr. Chima Matthew Amadi, a respected Nigerian scholar and civic leader, released an emotional statement titled “A Titan Departs”, in which he described Dozie as a “visionary entrepreneur and nation-builder” whose life’s work helped shape modern Nigeria.
“Some stars shine so brightly, their light reaches us long after they’re gone,” Amadi reflected, calling Dozie an “illustrious son of Imo State” and a figure whose influence transcended generations.
Born in 1939 in Egbu, Owerri North LGA, Imo State, Pascal Dozie rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most respected business leaders. After studying at the London School of Economics and City University London, he returned to Nigeria and founded the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG) before going on to establish Diamond Bank in 1990. The bank quickly earned a reputation for innovation and customer-centric banking, becoming one of the country’s most trusted financial institutions.
Dozie later served as the Chairman of MTN Nigeria, where he played a pivotal role in securing the telecom giant’s operating license and guiding it to become Africa’s largest mobile network provider. His leadership helped usher in Nigeria’s digital transformation, making mobile communication and financial technology accessible to millions.
He also held numerous influential roles including Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), and trustee of the MTN Foundation. His dedication to public service, economic growth, and institutional reform earned him multiple national and international honors, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
In his tribute, Dr. Amadi praised Dozie’s lifelong commitment to good governance, accountability, and community leadership, noting that his humility and wisdom endeared him to Nigerians from all walks of life.
“He was a quintessential community leader and a father figure,” Amadi stated. “While we mourn his passing, especially at a time when his wise counsel is most needed, we also celebrate an extraordinary legacy built on excellence and foresight.”
Amadi called on both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalize Pascal Dozie, asserting that his monumental contributions to national development must be preserved for future generations.
Dozie’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance across Nigeria’s political, business, and civic communities. On behalf of the Dozie family, the Jude and Juliana Foundation, and The Mazi Organization (TMO), Amadi extended condolences to Dozie’s widow, Chinyere, his children including Uzoma Dozie, and the broader Egbu community in Imo State.
“We pray that God Almighty grants eternal rest to his gentle soul and comfort to all who mourn,” he concluded.
As Nigeria faces complex challenges in its economic and governance sectors, the loss of Pascal Dozie—a man whose vision helped lay the groundwork for many of the institutions still standing today—will be deeply felt.
In the days ahead, as the nation reflects on his contributions, calls to honor and preserve his legacy are expected to gain momentum, reinforcing his place among the architects of Nigeria’s modern economic identity.
Premium Times Nigeria. (2025, April 9). BREAKING: Former Diamond Bank Chairman, Pascal Dozie, is dead. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/699582-breaking-former-diamond-bank-chairman-pascal-dozie-is-dead.html
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