President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of Chief (Dr.) Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker. He was 85.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said Chief Pascal Dozie left an enduring legacy through his visionary leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
His innovative strides as the founder of Diamond Bank and Chairman of MTN Nigeria propelled the nation’s economic trajectory onto the global stage.
“As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications,” the statement said.
“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.”
The Presidency acknowledged his decades of dedication to public service, national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment.
“His business acumen saw him serve as a former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.”
President Tinubu lauded Chief Dozie as “a rare-breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and the nation.”
The President prayed for the peaceful repose of Chief Dozie’s soul and extended condolences to his wife, children, and extended family.
He called upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building for which he was renowned.