By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian business community and beyond are engulfed in sorrow following the death of Pascal Gabriel Dozie, the revered founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc, who passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the age of 85.
The announcement, made by his family on Tuesday, has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes for a man widely regarded as a titan of industry and a pioneer in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Dozie, born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, was just a day shy of his 86th birthday when he succumbed to the cold hands of death.
The statement from his son, Uzoma Dozie, who represents the family reads, “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
“He is survived by his loving wife, Chinyere, his children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know him.
“We thank God for the gift of his life and the legacy he leaves behind. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Born on April 9, 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was raised in a Catholic home, with his father, Charles Dozie, serving as a catechist.
His early brilliance took him from Our Lady’s School in Emekuku to the London School of Economics, where he studied economics and earned a master’s degree in administrative science.
Dozie had his early education at Our Lady’s School Emekuku, Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Seeking higher education abroad, he moved to the United Kingdom, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.
He furthered his studies in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering before obtaining a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie played a critical role in Nigeria’s banking and telecom industries. In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, which became one of Nigeria’s most respected financial institutions before its eventual merger with Access Bank. He later handed the reins to his son, Uzoma.
Dozie was also instrumental in the launching of MTN Nigeria, serving as its pioneer chairman and helping to lead the telecom revolution in the country. His leadership style, marked by humility, integrity, and long-term vision, earned him widespread recognition, including the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger.
His contributions to the country’s economic growth earned him widespread respect. Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and five children.
