Paschal Gabriel Dozie, the founder of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc and former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has passed away at the age of 85 following an undisclosed illness.
Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie was an influential figure in the Nigerian business landscape. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics from the London School of Economics & Political Science and later earned a master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Diamond Bank and serve as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University. He was also a founding partner of Africa Capital Alliance, which was notable for being the first Nigerian private equity fund manager.
In addition to his contributions to banking and education, Dozie held significant roles in the financial sector, including serving as President of the Nigerian Exchange Group and Chairman of The Nigerian Economic Summit Group from 1993 to 2000.
His impact on the telecommunications industry is particularly remarkable; he was instrumental in the founding of MTN Nigeria, which has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most successful telecom providers.
Fondly known as PGD among friends and colleagues, Paschal Dozie is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and their five sons. His legacy in the business community will be remembered for years to come.
