1 week Ago By Ovwe Medeme
The Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), Tony Okoroji has expressed deep sadness over the passing of one of Nigeria’s notable businessmen, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank, former Chairman of MTN, former Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In a statement, Okoroji said that he has always had great pride in sharing the same heritage with the outstanding man fondly referred to as “Ndaa Pascal”. “On a personal level, I enjoyed warm relations with this titan of industry, finance and investments.
I recall that the last time we met physically was at the launching in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of a book, the memoirs of our mutual friend, Moses Ekpo, who was then Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. I cannot forget the review done on that occasion by quintessential journalist, Ray Ekpu. After the launch, we spent valuable time reminiscing about the experiences we have had and the blessings of the Almighty.
We spoke thereafter on the phone. “I certainly cannot forget that with “Ndaa Paschal”, I served on a committee of first line professionals from the old Imo State which was set up by the government to raise funds for the construction of the Imo Airport, today called the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri. Pascal Dozie was one of the main drivers of that committee,” he said He further noted that with preparation for the 2025 COSON Week which begins on May 25 in full gear, it is important to remember that Paschal Dozie’s Diamond Bank was the major sponsor of the first ever COSON Week which has contributed to the great success of Copyright Society of Nigeria.
“As we mourn this titan who unmistakably was a major craftsman of the nation’s modern financial and telecommunications sectors, I wish to say to both the Federal and Imo State Governments that as an important act to inspire the next generation of Nigerian citizens, the governments must ensure that Pascal Dozie, the undisputable great son of the Nigerian nation and Imo State, is celebrated and immortalised,” Okoroji added..
