Tinubu, Obasanjo, Obi Mourn Pascal Dozie

TRIBUTES have continued to pour in for the late elder statesman, entrepreneur, banker and founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, Dr. Pascal Dozie, with President Bola Tinubu extending his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family and the business community over his death on Tuesday, April 8, a day before his 86th birthday.
Tinubu extolled Dozie’s vision and contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture and his enduring legacy, saying: “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.”
Presidential spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said Tinubu lauded Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build,” adding that his passing was a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in a statement by his spokesman, Kehinde Akinyemi, described Dozie as one of Nigeria’s intrepid entrepreneurs, saying the country would miss his immense contribution and service to father land.
“I am impressed by his humility and his humanism,” he said, while commending Dozie for creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians with his entrepreneurial acumen.
“I celebrate a man who lived a life of purpose, a life of achievement, and who impacted the lives of many Nigerians by creating jobs and opportunities for generations,” he stated.
On his part, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, described Dozie as an inspiring business leader.
Obi, in his post on X, stated: “I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr. Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem.
“I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.
“His legacy as a banker and entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership and commitment to excellence inspired countless individuals and businesses.
“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his family and all of us who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.”
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie, A family statement issued by his son, Uzoma Dozie, said: “With deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of our beloved father.
“His life was marked by service to God, his family and his country.
“He was devoted husband, father, grandfathe and a man of unwavering Catholic faith.”