Our Reporter, Abuja with Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi; former ministers, Dr Oby Ezekwesili and Mr Frank Nweke Jnr; Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Landmark Africa, Paul Onwuanibe; and other Nigerians have expressed sadness and shock over the passing of one of Nigeria’s finest businessmen and entrepreneur, Dr Pascal Dozie.
Dr Dozie died Tuesday April 8, 2025, at the age of 85.
Obi who expressed his condolences on his X handle, described the death of the late business mogul as an “irreplaceable loss.”
The former Anambra State Governor shared his personal experience with Dr Dozie both at the banking industry and at MTN, the communications giant.
He wrote: “I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem. I met him during the formation of Diamond Bank and later MTN Nigeria, and throughout our collaboration, I came to know him as a true gentleman and a teacher who always sought the good of all.
“His legacy as a banker and entrepreneur stands as a testament to his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence inspired countless individuals, and businesses.
“May God Almighty, who called him home, grant him eternal rest in His kingdom, and grant his family and all of us who mourn him the fortitude to bear his irreplaceable loss.God Almighty bless his family always.”
On her part, Dr Oby Ezekwesili described the late business mogul, Dr Pascal Dozie, as “foremost pioneer of Venture Capitalism on our continent.”
“We mourn Mr Pascal Dozie, a foremost pioneer of Venture Capitalism on our continent who knew how to support Startups ever before Startups became a thing.
“May God comfort his family on every side and increase their greatness as they build on the legacy he’s left behind.
“He’ll be missed,” Ezekwesili wrote on her X handle on Tuesday.
Similarly, former minister of information, Frank Nweke Jnr. expressed his sadness over the news of the “visionary entrepreneur, former central banker, philanthropist, and founder of Diamond Bank; just a day before his 86th birthday.”
Taking to his X handle Nweke Jnr wrote: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Pascal Dozie – visionary entrepreneur, former central banker, philanthropist, and founder of Diamond Bank; just a day before his 86th birthday.
“A founding member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), he was deeply committed to good governance and Nigeria’s economic progress.
“What a year! Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Clark, and now Mr. Pascal Dozie. We have lost some of the finest minds of a generation.
“May their souls rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Group CEO of Landmark Africa, Paul Onwuanibe, said the death of Dr Pascal Dozie was a a personal loss to him having described the late sage as “Christian Godfather, mentor, and Chairman of the Board at @landmarkafrica.”
“In Loving Memory of Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD)
“It is with a profoundly heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my Christian Godfather, mentor, and Chairman of the Board at @landmarkafrica, Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD), who left us peacefully on April 8th, 2025.
“This loss is deeply personal.
“PGD was not just a Chairman or a business icon to me—he was family in every sense of the word. He was married to my favorite aunt. I had the honor of being a pageboy at their wedding, and for decades, he remained a guiding light in my life. Every Sunday, without fail, we met. Those moments were filled with wisdom, laughter, and reflections that helped shape the man I am today.
“Since 2004, PGD served as Chairman of the Landmark Board, bringing with him an unmatched depth of experience, integrity, and vision. But what truly set him apart was not just his strategic brilliance—it was his heart. He led with humility, offered counsel with grace, and anchored our mission in values that will continue to guide us long after his passing.
“PGD’s influence on Landmark—and on me personally—cannot be overstated. He was a pillar of strength, a reservoir of wisdom, whose presence brought calm in the midst of chaos. His loss leaves a void that words can scarcely capture.
“To his beloved wife, children, and family—my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing him with us. His legacy will live on in every corner of Landmark and in the lives he touched so profoundly.
“Rest well, PGD. You ran your race with honor and purpose. May your soul find eternal peace in the presence of the God you so faithfully served,” Onwuanibe wrote.
Fiery journalists and Arise News Presenter, Rufai Oseni, also paid his tribute to Dr Dozie describing him as “a dear friend and birthday mate.”
“It’s 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 and looking forward to a brighter world.
I saw him last a few months ago, and I never knew that would be the last time. His last words to me were, ‘Keep doing what you do best.’ My phone is filled with contacts of people I have lost. Although I can’t call them again, it’s a reminder of what we shared. Sometimes I still go through their messages. All memories are forever cherished. Thank you for the friendship, Dr. Dozie, and happy birthday tomorrow. It feels strange I can’t call you,” Oseni wrote.
