April 9, 2025 – Nigeria A great man who helped grow Nigeria’s banking and telecom industries, Pascal Dozie, has passed away at the age of 85. He died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, early in the morning, according to a statement from his family.
Pascal Dozie was the founder of Diamond Bank (which later joined Access Bank) and also served as the first chairman of MTN Nigeria, one of the biggest telecom companies in the country.
His son, Uzoma Dozie, shared the sad news on behalf of the family. He said, “With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie… He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a man of unwavering Catholic faith.”
Pascal Dozie was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State. He grew up in a Catholic home, where his father worked as a catechist (a church teacher). He went to Our Lady’s School Emekuku, Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College, Owerri.
Because he was very smart and hardworking, he travelled to London to further his studies. He attended the famous London School of Economics, where he got a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and later a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University, London.
In 1990, Pascal Dozie started Diamond Bank, which became one of Nigeria’s most trusted banks. Later, his son, Uzoma, took over leadership before the bank joined Access Bank. He also helped launch MTN Nigeria, bringing better mobile phone service to millions of Nigerians.
Pascal Dozie was known for his humility, honesty, and big dreams for Nigeria. He received the national r of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his work in helping the country grow economically.
He is survived by his wife, Chinyere, their five children, grandchildren, and many people who admired him.
The family thanked God for his life and the positive legacy he left behind. “May his soul rest in perfect peace,” they said.
Pascal Dozie will always be remembered as a man who helped build Nigeria’s future with kindness, wisdom, and strong values.
