In 1990, he established Diamond Bank Plc, a financial institution that later grew to become one of Nigeria’s leading commercial banks before its merger with Access Bank in 2019.
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, the visionary founder of Diamond Bank and former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85. His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Tuesday, with his son Uzoma Dozie announcing, “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.”
Born on April 9, 1939, in Imo State, Dozie studied at the London School of Economics before launching a distinguished career in Nigeria’s private sector. In 1990, he founded Diamond Bank, which became a leading financial institution before its 2019 merger with Access Bank. He also served as MTN Nigeria’s pioneer chairman, shaping the telecom giant’s early success. Honoured with the CON national award, Dozie was a mentor to young entrepreneurs and advocated for sound financial practices.
Survived by his wife Chinyere and children, including Uzoma (his successor at Diamond Bank), Dozie leaves a legacy of integrity and nation-building. His contributions to banking, telecoms, and Nigeria’s economic growth remain indelible.