“Pascal Dozie Bore The Weight Of Greatness With Grace” – Ihedioha Mourns The Late Titan

The Rt. Honourable Emeka Ihedioha, CON,  has lamented the passing of Mr. Pascal Dozie, accomplished Economist whom he described as a “rare Entrepreneur”.

Dozie, founder of Diamond Bank, which later merged with Access Bank PLC, passed in the early morning of 8, April, 2025, of a yet-to-be disclosed ill-health but majorly suspected to be related to old age. He passed at the age of 85 years, one day shy of his 86th birthday.

In a condolence message to the Dozie family, addressed to his first son, Uzoma Dozie, a former Managing Director  of Diamond Bank, Ihedioha a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as a former Governor of Imo State, said that “The news of his transition has reverberated across our nation, casting a shadow of grief over all who knew him, and drew inspiration from his life.”

Ihedioha went on to describe the late Dozie  as “not just a titan in the corporate world but, also, a pillar of wisdom, integrity, and quiet strength”.

Following is the full text of the Condolence message addressed to Uzoma, dated April 8, 2025, personally signed by Ihedioha.

“We have again lost another Iroko from the East – Mr Pascal Gabriel Dozie, CON. The news of his transition has reverberated across our nation, casting a shadow of grief over all who knew him and drew inspiration from his life.

“Fondly called Nda Pascal by his people, he was not just a man in the corporate world but also a pillar of wisdom, integrity and quiet strength.

“As the founding Chairman of Diamond Bank PLC, former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and former Chairman of Nigeria Economic Summit Group – among other notable roles – he impacted the business terrain of Nigeria with uncommon ideals.

“Beyond boardrooms and titles, Nda Pascal was a true elder statesman – a distinguished entrepreneur of rare pedigree, a mentor to many, and a beacon of excellence and humility.

“His legacy is etched not only in the institutions he built, but also in the countless lives he touched, uplifted and inspired. He bore the weight of greatness with grace, and in his departure, we feel the void of a giant whose shoes may never be filled.

On behalf of my family and the entire Rebuild Imo Political Family, I extend our deepest condolences to his dear wife, Auntie Mabel, his children – Uzoma and his siblings – the larger Dozie family of Egbu, Ndi Owerri, and the entire Imo State as we grieve together.

“We have, indeed, lost one of our finest Ambassadors who put us in positive limelight.

“May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this immense loss.”

Married to Chinyere (nee Achuko) with whom he had five children, all males, the late Pascal Dozie was a native of Egbu, Owerri North, Imo State.