Victor EzejaPascal Dozie, a former chairman of MTN Nigeria and the founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, has passed away.
The business magnate died early Tuesday morning at the age of 85, the family said in a statement released on Tuesday.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We announce the passing of our beloved father, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, on 8th April 2025, with deep sorrow, but with gratitude to God for a life well spent,” said a statement signed by his son, Uzoma Dozie.
“He had a strong Catholic religion and was a loving spouse, father, and grandfather. Serving God, his family, and his nation characterized his life,” the statement added.
The family thanked God for the gift of his life and the legacy he leaves behind and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Dozie’s death came just a day before his 86th birthday, following a battle with an age-related illness.
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Birth
- He was born in 1939 into the family of Charles Dozie, who was a Catholic catechist in Egbu village of Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Education
- He attended Our Lady’s School Emekuku for his primary education, and Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate.
- For his higher education, Dozie later travelled to London and studied Economics at the London School of Economics and obtained a BSc in Economics. He subsequently attended City University in London, where he studied operational research and industrial engineering and earned a master’s degree in Administrative Science.
Career
- He began his career as an economist at the National Economic Development Office in the United Kingdom and subsequently worked as a part-time lecturer at the North Western Polytechnic, London.
- After a consulting job in Uganda between 1970 and 1971, Dozie returned to Nigeria and set up his first company, the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG), which worked with companies like Nestle and Pfizer.
- After some roles in banking, including conducting some studies on the Co-operative and Commerce Bank, for the Central Bank, he moved to set up the Diamond Bank, which became operational in 1991. He was CEO of the Bank from 1991 to 2006, when he handed over to his son Uzoma Dozie.
- Dozie was also chairman of MTN Group and was succeeded by the former CEO of Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Ernest Ndukwe.
He is survived by wife, children, and grandchildren.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
