By Kolawole Ojebisi
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep grief over the demise of Chief Pascal Dozie, at the ripe age of 85.
Dozie, in his lifetime, was a renowned entrepreneur, banker, and elder statesman.
The late business icon’s death was announced in a statement issued by his family on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described Chief Dozie as a visionary who played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of Chief Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker. He was 85.
“Chief Pascal Dozie, OON, was a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy. 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.”
The President highlighted Dozie’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress and his influence in shaping key sectors of the economy.
“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.”
“In addition to his business acumen, Chief Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment”, Tinubu added.
Paying tribute, Tinubu also hailed him as an exemplary leader whose work continues to inspire generations.
“President Tinubu lauds Chief Dozie as a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.
“The President prays for the peaceful repose of Chief Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. He calls upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned”, the statement concluded.
