As tributes continue to flood in over the passing of Nigerian banking titan and business statesman, Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD), one particularly moving homage came from Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe—renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Tekedia Institute—who described PGD as “a legend who departs the solid bounds of the earth to the ecclesiastical heaven.”
In an emotionally rich reflection, Prof. Ekekwe recounted personal memories, moments of transformation, and the remarkable legacy left behind by the late founder of Diamond Bank. His words painted a vivid portrait of Dr. Dozie as not only a pioneer of African banking but a compassionate leader who elevated countless young Nigerians.
“A legend departs from the solid bounds of the earth to the ecclesiastical heaven,” Prof. Ekekwe wrote, “where cymbals, tapestries and flutes, with cherubic melodies, welcome a man who raised a generation of young people, pushing them into the path of prosperity and abundance.”
Recounting a powerful encounter from November 2023, he recalled a moment that left him stunned.
“A phone rang, and I picked it. From the other side, an unmistakable voice said, ‘Prof Ekekwe, I am PGD, your colleague in Diamond Bank.’ I jumped and shouted, ‘Ifeoma, come over here—because a Legend is on the line!’ Yes, a banking legend, Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank, called one of his boys.”
Ekekwe recalled being posted to the Diamond Bank headquarters in Lagos instead of the Owerri branch for which he was originally interviewed. That simple decision, he said, changed his life.
“In just three years, I experienced transformation. Diamond Bank paid for two of my master’s degrees and a correspondence doctoral program in banking and finance,” he said. “Chairman PGD showed us grace, kindness and generosity. I recited the Diamond Bank mission and vision statement to him during that call—because I had memorized it while in training school. Great leaders inspire generations—and PGD served.”
One particular incident stood out vividly in his memory. He recalled trying to return an advance salary payment when he was resigning to pursue studies abroad.
“Chairman remembered everything,” Ekekwe noted. “I came to the bank that January morning to submit my resignation letter. Hours before, the bank had paid me a big chunk of my yearly salary. I updated the letter and requested a reversal, because I hadn’t earned it. To my astonishment, PGD later approved for me to keep the money, covering it on behalf of the Bank.”
Beyond his human kindness, PGD’s legacy as an innovator was also deeply praised. Ekekwe credited the late founder for pioneering the integrated banking system (DIBS) that connected all bank branches seamlessly—a system that influenced Ekekwe’s own academic pursuits.
“In the world of African banking, PGD was peerless on innovation,” he emphasized. “It was DIBS and the Valucard system that drew me to Diamond Bank while I was still a student at FUTO. Even Schlumberger, a top job destination for engineering graduates, couldn’t sway me—I flew to Port Harcourt to decline their offer because I had my heart set on Diamond Bank.”
PGD’s leadership, according to Ekekwe, left an indelible imprint. “He transformed a village boy into a global professional. He helped me understand the physics of finance. That was PGD—an innovator, a mentor, a father figure.”
As Nigeria and the African business community bid farewell to one of its brightest minds, Prof. Ekekwe’s words echo the sentiments of many whose lives were touched by Dr. Pascal Dozie:
“Chairman ascended to heaven today, aged 85, leaving behind a generation of men and women he inspired. An icon of African business. Innovator personalized. THANK YOU, for all you did.”
Dr. Pascal Dozie may have passed, but the seeds he sowed—in people, in institutions, in ideas—will flourish for generations.
