The founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, Mr Pascal Dozie, has died at the age of 86.
The entrepreneur and business leader who was a co-founder of African Capital Alliance and Kunoch Limited served as the chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
Dozie was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
He obtained a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University, London.
The late entrepreneur holds shares in MTN Nigeria Plc, where he served as MTN Group chairman.
He was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe following his resignation.
Broadcast Journalist, Rufai Oseni mourned the death of Dozie in a post on X.
He wrote, “Its supposed to be a happy day for me, but it has a tinge of sadness because I lost a dear friend. Some years ago, I walked into a restaurant in Transcorp Abuja and met Dr. Pascal Dozie, who showed so much admiration for the work I do.
“Only when he discovered I was born on the 8th of April and he was born on the 9th of April further cemented our friendship.We had regular meetings and he would always call me on my birthday to say Happy birthday mate. I also looked forward to calling him the next day.
“We spoke about everything – life, business, and mentorship. He showed me the possibilities of a greater Nigeria, shared his failures and successes with me so I could learn from them.
“He believed in me and encouraged me to never stop loving Nigeria. We had plans to visit his village, but sadly, they will never become reality. One story stands out in his love for humanity – he would organize a yearly football tournament, and he told me how happy it made him feel to see society unite over football.
“I saw a man who had his dignity intact despite setbacks, who loved the possibilities the world brought, and even at 85, kept on working.”
