Pascal Gabriel Dozie, the visionary founder of Diamond Bank and former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 85.
He died in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, just a day before his 86th birthday, after a battle with an age-related illness, according to report.
Dozie’s name became synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
He founded Diamond Bank in 1991, a move that would redefine the banking landscape in the country.
His leadership turned the bank into one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking financial institutions, offering modern banking services and embracing technological advancements that were ahead of its time.
The bank’s commitment to digital banking and customer-first services helped it carve a niche in a competitive market.
Under Dozie’s stewardship, Diamond Bank flourished, becoming one of the largest and most influential banks in Nigeria before its merger with Access Bank in 2019.
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Beyond banking, Dozie was also a key figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
As chairman of MTN Nigeria, he played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a dominant force in the country’s mobile market, which transformed the communication landscape for millions of Nigerians.
Dozie’s legacy is one of innovation, foresight, and leadership.
He passed on the mantle of leadership to his son, Uzoma Dozie, ensuring his vision would continue into the future.
The passing of Pascal Gabriel Dozie is a great loss to Nigeria’s business community, but his contributions to the country’s financial and telecommunications industries will continue to influence generations of entrepreneurs.