The Nigerian business community is mourning the loss of Pascal Gabriel Dozie, pioneering banker and former MTN Nigeria chairman, who died early Tuesday morning at 85. The visionary entrepreneur, who founded Diamond Bank and helped usher in Nigeria’s telecom revolution, passed away peacefully according to a family statement released by his son Uzoma Dozie.
Born April 9, 1939 in Owerri, Dozie’s remarkable journey took him from missionary schools in Eastern Nigeria to the London School of Economics, where he earned degrees in economics and administrative science. His 1990 establishment of Diamond Bank revolutionized Nigerian retail banking, creating an institution that would dominate consumer finance before its landmark 2019 merger with Access Bank.
As MTN Nigeria’s inaugural chairman, Dozie played a pivotal role in democratizing mobile communications, helping grow the telco from startup to market leader. Colleagues remember his distinctive leadership style combining intellectual rigor with uncommon humility – qualities that earned him the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
“Beyond his corporate achievements, Baba Dozie was a devoted family man and committed Catholic who gave generously to education and community development,” said Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe in a tribute. “His legacy lives on through the thousands of professionals he mentored and the institutions he built.”
The business icon is survived by his wife of 58 years, Chinyere, five children including former Diamond Bank CEO Uzoma Dozie, and numerous grandchildren. As tributes pour in from presidents, corporate leaders and ordinary Nigerians alike, the family has announced burial arrangements will be communicated after consultations with the Imo State government and business associates.
Dozie’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigeria’s financial sector, leaving behind a blueprint for ethical entrepreneurship and nation-building that continues to inspire new generations of business leaders across Africa.
