Tributes have started pouring in for the late founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, Pascal Dozie, who died on Tuesday, a day before his 86th birthday.

Born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie founded Diamond Bank before its merger with Access Bank.

President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of the elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker.

The president celebrated Dozie?s vision and contributions to Nigeria?s economic architecture, describing them as 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,? presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said in a statement.

Tinubu lauded 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?.

Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Dozie as one of Nigeria?s intrepid entrepreneurs. In a statement by his spokesman Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said Nigeria would miss Dozie?s immense contribution and service to father land.

?I am impressed by his humility and his humanism,? the ex-president said, applauding Dozie for creating thousands of jobs for Nigerians with his entrepreneurial acumen.

?I celebrate a man who lived a life of purpose, a life of achievement, and who impacted the lives of many Nigerians by creating jobs and opportunities for generations,? he said.

?An Inspiring Entrepreneur?

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, described the deceased banker as an inspiring business leader.

?I am deeply saddened this morning by the news of the passing of Dr Pascal Dozie, a man I held in high esteem,? he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

?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.?

Nigeria?s former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke, described the late business tycoon as one of the finest minds of a generation.

He 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.? (Channels TV)

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