Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank, Dies at 85

Pascal Gabriel Dozie, renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of Diamond Bank, has passed away at the age of 85 — just one day shy of his 86th birthday.

The financial giant was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State.

He attended London School of Economics for his degree in Economics and City University, London for his Master’s in Administrative Science.

Dozie brought a global perspective to the Nigerian banking landscape.

In 1991, he founded Diamond Bank, which quickly gained a reputation for innovation and customer-focused banking.

Under his leadership, Diamond Bank became a trusted name in Nigeria’s financial sector.

He served as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) until 2006, when his son, Uzoma Dozie, succeeded him.

Beyond banking, Pascal Dozie made significant contributions to Nigeria’s corporate and academic sectors.

He was the chairman of Pan-Atlantic University and served as the former chairman of MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s largest telecommunications providers.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to national development, Pascal Dozie was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and later elevated to Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Pascal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere Dozie, and their five children. His legacy lives on in the Nigerian banking sector and among entrepreneurs he inspired.

9 Exciting Facts about Pascal Dozie

Here are some exciting and inspiring facts about the life and legacy of Pascal Gabriel Dozie:

1. Pascal Dozie started Diamond Bank in 1991 with only ₦10 million and just 21 shareholders—a bold move at the time. That humble beginning eventually evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected commercial banks.
2. Pascal handed over the reins of Diamond Bank to his son, Uzoma Dozie, in a rare and successful father-to-son succession story.
3. He was an internationally educated economist.
4. He worked with multinational giants like Nestlé and Pfizer through his consultancy firm, African Development Consulting Group (ADCG).
5. Dozie wasn’t just about banking—he was also the chairman of MTN Nigeria until his resignation, where he was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
6. Dozie served as President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) at the peak of his influence in the financial world.
7. He had a flourishing career abroad before he returned to Nigeria in 1971 at his mother’s request.
8. Early in his career, he was a lecturer in London.
9. He was honored with multiple national awards. He was a recipient of both the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).