Pascal Dozie, founder of defunct Diamond Bank, is dead

Pascal Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, has died at the age of 85.

The economist died on April 8 (a day before his 86th birthday), according to a statement on Tuesday by his family, represented by Uzoma Dozie, his son.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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, Pascal Dozie was the founder of Diamond Bank in 1990, before its merger with Access Bank.

The bank was later handed over to his son, Uzoma, according to the statement.

Dozie also served as the pioneer chairman of MTN Nigeria, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s mobile telecommunications revolution.

“Dozie’s 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,” the statement further reads.

It added that 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 (CON)”.