Founder of Diamond Bank, Pascal Dozie, passes on

• Popular businessman and banking expert, Pascal Dozie, is dead
• The tragic development happened on Tuesday, April 8
• Reactions have greeting his passing, with many celebrating his impact in the Nigerian business space

​Pascal Gabriel Dozie, the Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, has passed away at the age of 85.

The former chairman of MTN Nigeria passed in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, just a day before his 86th birthday, after battling an age-related illness. This sad development has elicited condolences from many of his friends and associates.

What to know about Pascal Dozie

Born on April 9, 1939, in Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was a pivotal figure in Nigeria's banking sector and broader business community.​

Dozie's academic journey took him to the London School of Economics, where he earned a degree in economics, followed by a master's in administrative science from City University in London. His professional career began in the United Kingdom, but he soon returned to Nigeria, driven by a vision to revolutionize the country's banking landscape. In 1991, he founded Diamond Bank, aiming to provide innovative financial solutions to Nigerians. Under his leadership, the bank flourished, becoming one of the nation's leading financial institutions. He served as the CEO until 2006, when he passed the baton to his son, Uzoma Dozie. ​

Beyond his contributions to banking, Dozie played significant roles in various sectors. He was a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, past president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and chairman of MTN Nigeria. His dedication to national development was recognized with honors such as the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON). ​

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated Dozie's 80th birthday, lauding his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to national service. The President highlighted Dozie's deep sense of patriotism and his efforts to uplift the underprivileged. ​

News of Dozie's passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes on social media. Business leaders, former colleagues, and admirers have taken to platforms like Twitter and Facebook to express their condolences and share memories of his impactful legacy.​

Pascal Dozie's demise marks the end of an era for Nigeria's business community. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the nation's economic landscape. He is survived by his wife, Chinyere Dozie, and their five children

People react to Pascal Dozie’s death

TheRadar gathered reactions that attended the news of Dozie’s passing on social media. Find some below:

@Qladele reacted: May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏽

@vostephens: May the Lord grant his family the fortitude to bear his loss.

@DavidsOffor: May his soul find peace.

@DubemEkunie: 😢😢💔💔 🕊

@otunbaunyime: He made a mark in the biz world. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

@BiolaOlaniyan1: Each and every one of great men taking roll call since the year birthed! Hmmmm…. Heaven gained again 👌 May the Lord be with his family left behind.

@tunji33173275: May the Lord rest his soul and comfort his family and friends.

@OIOlawale: He’s been quiet for quite a while now 😥 RIP my once upon an amiable chairman 🙏

@Abdulhafiz513: Shine bright like a diamond

@AdeniyiKolapo7: May him rest.

@shakaraOlojeni: Sad.

@AMOSONIJOSEPH: May his soul rest in peace. Oh Diamond bank that year😭

@CountMoh: Great man Pascal. RIP!

Former Oyo governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, dies at 89

Earlier, TheRadar reported that Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a former governor of Oyo State, respected mathematician, engineer, and technocrat, passed away just days before his 90th birthday.

The news of his death was confirmed in a statement released by his family on Sunday, April 6, titled "Victor Olunloyo Goes Home.”