President Tinubu pays tribute to Diamond Bank founder, Pascal Dozie

…describes him as a pioneering force in Nigeria’s banking and telecom sectors

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned entrepreneur and banker, Chief (Dr.) Pascal Gabriel Dozie, who passed away at the age of 85.

In a condolence message on Tuesday, through his spokesperson, President Tinubu hailed Chief Dozie as a visionary whose influence shaped Nigeria’s economic landscape, particularly in the banking and telecommunications sectors.

“Chief Dozie was a rare-breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build,” the President said. “His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

Chief Dozie was the founder of Diamond Bank and the first chairman of MTN Nigeria—two institutions that played critical roles in deepening financial inclusion and expanding mobile connectivity across the country. His leadership extended into public policy and national development, having served as a director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

President Tinubu highlighted Chief Dozie’s legacy as one rooted in innovation, integrity, and patriotism. “He believed deeply in Nigeria’s potential and worked tirelessly to nurture it,” the President noted.

He offered prayers for the peaceful repose of the late business titan and extended condolences to the Dozie family, the Nigerian business community, and the nation at large.

The President also called on the private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s legacy by continuing to champion ethical leadership and nation-building.