Chief Pascal Dozie, the renowned entrepreneur and founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc, has passed away at the age of 85. He died on Tuesday, 8 April 2025 — just one day before his 86th birthday.

Born on 9 April 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie established Diamond Bank before its merger with Access Bank. He was also the founding Chairman of MTN Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians, describing the deceased as an elder statesman whose impact on the country’s economy will be long remembered.

“Chief Dozie played a pivotal role in shaping two of Nigeria’s most transformative sectors — banking and telecommunications,” presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated.

President Tinubu lauded Dozie’s humility, foresight, and integrity, noting that he left behind a legacy of excellence and innovation.

“His passing is a significant loss to Nigeria’s private sector. We must honour his memory by upholding the principles he championed — integrity, innovation, and nation-building,” Tinubu added.

Chief Dozie also held several key roles in the public and private sectors, including Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

He was widely recognised for his contributions to youth empowerment, policy development, and economic advancement in Nigeria.