President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of the founder of Daar Communications, owners of African Independence Television (AIT) and Raypower, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Dokpesi died on Monday at an Abuja hospital.
The Management of DAAR Communications Limited on Monday confirmed the death of its founder, Raymond Dokpesi. In a statement, the DAAR Communications Group Managing Director, Tony Akiotu, said the late businessman had been ill prior before his death.
He, however, explained that he was on his journey to full recovery before the fell and died during routine exercise on Monday. “He had been ill in the last few weeks but was on his way to full recovery.
“He had a fall off his treadmill during routine gym exercise.
In a statement from his office on Monday evening, the President described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.
“The death of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting. His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.
“The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape.
“I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of DAAR Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss,” he said.
“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
“He was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.
“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time,” he said.
“The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course.”May his soul rest in peace.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it was devastated by the death of one of its leading lights, member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), media mogul, statesman and patriarch of the Dokpesi family, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi.
National publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba said Dokpesi was an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal party man, a brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur who was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our great party and the nation at large.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, High Chief Dokpesi deployed his media empire of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to champion the course of national development, promoted greater and affordable access to information across the country, stimulated good governance, enhanced economic growth and development in all critical sectors and opened our nation to international limelight and opportunities.”
PDP added that the late media mogul was a detribalised Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of the nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes.
“Chief Dokpesi’s death is indeed a colossal national loss and a big blow to the PDP family.
“The PDP condoles with the Dokpesi family, the Daar Communication Group, the government and people of Edo State, the Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, and the Edo PDP family, and prays to the Almighty God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this devastating loss and to High Chief Dokpesi, eternal rest in His bosom.”
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has also mourned Dokpesi’s passing.
Atiku, in a statement signed by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, noted that the late Dokpesi was a trailblazer who reshaped the Nigerian business landscape in every sphere of his endeavour.
According to the statement, “Ezemo, as we fondly called him, was an enigmatic business personality, a newsmaker in life and, sadly, even in death.”
Atiku’s expressed intense grief and shock, saying: “Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God! I am in a state of shock! As we say in Islam: from God we came, and to Him, we return. I am in prayers and will continue in prayers! My everlasting and deepest condolences to the Raymond Dokpesi family. May God forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest. Ezemo, not on a date like this should you leave us!”
High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) was Born on October 25, 1951.
He was a media tycoon who had his primary education at Ebenezer African Church School and proceeded to Immaculate Conception College in Benin City for his secondary school education. For tertiary education, Dokpesi attended the University of Benin before travelling abroad for Masters and doctorate degrees in Wyzsza Szokta Morska Gdynia and University of Gdansk Sopot in Poland.
Dokpesi worked in Nigerian Ports Authority as Marine Office Cadet in 1969
Dokpesi was the first person to get license for private radio broadcast in Nigeria with Raypower 100.5FM. His television station, Africa Independent Television, was the first African broadcast station to transmit to the USA.
He also worked with different government parastatals including the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation as the Head of the Water Transport Division on Secondment from Nigerian Ports Plc between 1978-1983.
In 2008, Dokpesi was conferred with a National Honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Dokpesi is also credited with establishing the first indigenous shipping line in Nigeria
