Dozie died on April 8, 2025, a day before his 86th birthday.

Quoting from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, in a statement on May 2, 2025, he  asserted that the deceased, whom he addressed as PGD (considering Gabriel, his middle name), was a metaphor of “calm and peace at the summit.”

Dozie was former chairman of MTN Nigeria; founder of Diamond Bank, which was acquired by Access Bank; founding member and former chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group; and former President of Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Chioke stated,

“Long before I met PGD, I had heard of his entrepreneurial genius, innovative flair and educational philanthropy. To cite just one of the last elements, he had sponsored several people from my generation to Harvard Business School and other Ivy League institutions in the mid-90s. His motive was to influence the economic and financial future of Nigeria by empowering hundreds of young people to lead the nation into that future.”

He added,

“His vast educational philanthropy was never sporadic; it was an intentional, consistent, and sustained commitment to uplift others. He was preeminently ‘as constant as the northern star’ in his devotion to God and humanity.”

The Afrinvest boss said Dozie never sought accolades; accolades sought him.

Afrinvest, a Nigerian capital market holding company, is both a provider of research content on the Nigerian market and an advisor to blue-chip companies across West Africa on mergers and acquisitions as well as international capital market transactions.

Chioke couched Dozie’s virtue poetically, “In every interaction, PGD exhibited an uncommon fusion of strategic foresight and deep compassion. He listened more than he spoke; and when he did speak, he did so clearly, humbly and insightfully.

“His presence was never imposing, but was always commanding – he was a delight to follow. He led by the power of his example, not by the example of his power.

“His legacy is one of service without self-interest, leadership without arrogance, and faith without cynicism.”

He noted that Dozie’s visible achievements, awesome as they were, “pale into insignificance when juxtaposed with the countless lives he transformed; the numerous life stories he changed; the business and political leaders he nurtured; and the spirit of excellence, compassion, and integrity he instilled across generations.”

According to him, earthly sojourn is a testament to the idea that one man, with vision and compassion, can indeed alter the trajectories of countless lives.”

Born in 1939 in Egbu village of Owerri, Imo State, into the family of Catholic catechist, Charles Dozie, the deceased attended Our Lady’s School (Emekuku), Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary, and Holy Ghost College, all in Owerri, before travelling to London to study Economics at the London School of Economics.

He also attended City University in London for his Master’s in Operational Research and Industrial Engineering.

He began his career as an economist at the National Economic Development Office in the United Kingdom. He was also a part-time lecturer at the North Western Polytechnic, London. Between 1970 and 1971, he served as a consulting economist at the African States Consulting Organisation in Uganda. After leaving his job in Uganda, he relocated to Nigeria at his mother’s instance.

He was subsequently hired by Clement Isong, then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, to conduct studies on the Co-operative and Commerce Bank.

In 1985, he was appointed Chairman of Progress Bank (now defunct). Later that same year, Dozie applied for a banking licence to help traders in South Eastern Nigeria, who were faced with banking problems.

This birthed Diamond Bank, which at inception had a share capital of N10m, with only 21 interested shareholders.

In 1990, he satisfied the requirements of the CBN to operate a standard bank, and in 1991, Diamond Bank began operations, and he was the Chief Executive Officer till 2006.

He led with strength and conviction. His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.

Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN Nigeria in a tribute to the pious leader, remembered some of his (Dr. Dozie’s) landmark contributions;

1. MTN Foundation

Dr. Dozie championed the incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004, signaling the telco’s commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments;

As part of its ongoing investment in education, the MTN Foundation has awarded 14,728 scholarships in the past 15 years, worth over NGN3 billion.

2. MTN Switching Centres

He fully backed the management team towards the launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010. Presently, MTN has a switching center in Ojota, and another one in Ikoyi, Lagos, which are data centers that host servers and IT infrastructure.

3. Resolution of tax issues

MTN Nigeria’s often impressive profit margin faced threats on two fronts as earnings were hit by a weak naira and a tax demand threatens from the tax authorities.

There was a technical disagreement between MTN and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as to how $1.04 trillion Fine should be treated for tax purposes. However, Dr. Dozie played “significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution”, Toriola wrote.

4. 3G Feature Phone

In 2018, MTN, in partnership with KaiOS Technologies, China Mobile, and UNISOC, introduced Africa’s first 3G feature phone, codenamed the “MTN Smart”.

The device was launched to provide affordable connectivity in Africa, initially in Nigeria and South Africa, and later in other MTN markets.

5. MTN listing on Nigerian Exchange

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc was listed on the Premium Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange by introduction on May 16, 2019.

Following the successful listing, MTN Nigeria became the first Mobile Network Operator to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.

In an emotional tribute extending the group’s heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, the TechCo, said that Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story.

The Group recalls that he (Dr. Dozie) brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential.

He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.

For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.

His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.

Leading the tribute, Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, said “His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come”.

“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” Ralph Mupita, President & CEO, MTN Group.

His legacy goes well beyond MTN. He believed in Nigeria’s potential and dedicated his life to building a stronger nation.

His impact spanned banking, telecommunications, education, and public service. He founded Diamond Bank, led the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served as Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among many other distinguished roles.

A generous mentor, he inspired and guided countless individuals who continue to uphold the values he lived by.

He was a quiet revolutionary. He could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction. He was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.

Fondly known as PGD, he was honoured with the national awards of Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON).

“Beyond the accolades, what we remember most is the man himself. He was innovative, dedicated, measured, thoughtful and humble.

“We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service”, the tribute reads.

President Tinubu, in a States House release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), described Chief Pascal Dozie as a visionary whose contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture left an enduring legacy.

“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.

“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.

“In addition to his business acumen, Chief Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria, President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, dedicating decades of service to national policy formulation, private sector development, and youth empowerment”, the President said.

President Tinubu lauds Chief Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

The President prays for the peaceful repose of Chief Dozie’s soul and extends his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. He calls upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned.