President Bola Tinubu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family, business community, and Nigerians following the passing of Pascal Dozie.

The elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker died at of 85.

In a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu acknowledged the late Dozie’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape.

According to Mr Tinubu, the late Dozie left an enduring legacy as the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneering Chairman of MTN Nigeria.

Me Tinubu stated, “Dozie was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications. Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was instrumental 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, Dozie served as a former director at the Central Bank of Nigeria. He was also the 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.’’

Mr Tinubu further commended the late Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continued to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria.”

Mr Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of Mr Dozie’s soul and extended his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family.

He also urged the Nigerian private sector to honour Mr Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned.

(NAN)