Since the news of the demise of the founding chairman of DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi was made public by his family members Nigerians have expressed shock at this disheartening news.
However, the Board and Management of DAAR Communications released a statement explaining what led to the death of media mogul.
In a terse statement signed by Tony Akiotu, the Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications, the Edo-Born revered business administrator had been ill for a few weeks back but was already recovering.
Unfortunately, however, the late lover and mass employer of media practitioners fell off his treadmill earlier on Monday, May 29, 2023, leading to his demise.
“The Board and Management of DAAR Communications PLC wish to inform the general public of the death of our founder, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi OFR.
“He had been ill in the last few weeks but was well on his way to recovery. He had a fall earlier yesterday, while on the treadmill during a routine gym exercise.
“Further announcements as regards the burial arrangements will be made by the family”; the release stated.
Meanwhile, the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday mourned the death of Daar Communications founder and owner of African Independence Television, Raymond Dokpesi, saying he would be sorely missed.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his media officer, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.
The President described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.
He said, “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.
Also, the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has mourned the death of the founder and Chairman Emeritus, DAAR Communications, Raymond Alegho Dokpesi.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, described the death of the Edo State-born media tycoon as a great shock.
He noted that the Dokpesi, who established the first thriving private television and radio stations – African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower – was renowned for his passion for portraying the African continent via his media outfits.
Abiodun, who expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, said Dokpesi will be sorely missed, particularly in the field of politics.
He, however, prayed for the reposed of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki also mourned the death of the founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, describing him as the “pioneer of private broadcast media in Nigeria”
In a statement issued yesterday, the governor said Chief Dopkesi was an illustrious son of Edo State, who recorded indelible achievements that marked him as one of Nigeria’s most impactful media executives.
According to him, “The Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno, Chief Dokpesi was an outstanding businessman and indeed, a media mogul, who took the bold step to venture into private broadcasting and broke the ground for many who came after him.
“He was a pacesetter and brave in his quest to build Africa’s most enterprising, private broadcasting brand.
“Chief Dokpesi was a man of many parts. From his early academic exploits as a scholar in Poland, he returned to Nigeria to establish himself as an expert in the shipping business.
”He set up Nigeria’s first shipping line before venturing into broadcasting upon the deregulation of the media business in the country.”
The governor said Chief Dokpesi established the Africa Independent Television (AIT), which recorded many firsts in the broadcasting business, becoming Nigeria’s first satellite television, adding “He expanded the enterprise to North America and Europe, promoting Nigeria’s outstanding entrepreneurial flair.”
He continued, “He was a formidable Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing his experience and expertise to bear in handling party affairs.
“A worthy ambassador of Edo State, Chief Dopkesi will be remembered for his knack for excellence and unwavering spirit of enterprise.
“I commiserate with the Dokpesi family, the good people of Weppa-Wanno, the Board and management of Daar Communications as well as friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
His counterpart from Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of accomplished businessman and pioneer in the private media industry, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, describing the death as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence statement issued yesterday by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, sympathised with the entire management and staff of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM as well as friends and associates of the deceased.
The Governor said the late Dokpesi would be remembered for breaking the monopoly of government-owned broadcasting in Nigeria with the establishment of the first private radio station, Ray Power FM.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I mourn the passage of businessman and media guru, who contributed his quota to the economy of Lagos State by providing job opportunities for many young Lagos residents in the media sector.
“He was also an active participant in Nigeria politics during the present Fourth Republic and served his party and Nigeria in different capacities. He was a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his community, state, and country.
In addition, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, and the Director General, the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, have expressed grief over the death of media entrepreneur, Dr Raymond Dokpesi.
Lawan, in a statement by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, described the death of the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM Radio as a great loss to the Nigerian polity and media industry in the light of his immense contributions to politics and the evolution of private media in Nigeria and Africa.
The Senate President said it is to the credit of Dokpesi that he established the first private television network in Nigeria, Africa’s first private satellite television, and the first privately owned radio station in Nigeria.
Part of the statement read, “I commiserate with the immediate family of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, staff of AIT/Ray power FM radio, and the media industry at large on this great loss.
“They should all be consoled that Dr. Dokpesi made his mark in business, politics, and the media industry and lived a fulfilled life,” Lawan said.
He prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his loved ones.
Sulaiman described the death of Dokpesi, as a great loss to the nation.
He stated this in a condolence message issued on the passage of the elder statesman.
He said, “He was a prominent figure in the media industry, and his contributions have left a lasting impact. My heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the entire staff of AIT and Raypower FM.
“His departure is a significant loss for the entire media landscape. He was a pioneer and a visionary who consistently pushed the boundaries of journalism and entertainment.
“His unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation has undoubtedly shaped the media industry as we know it today”. He said.
He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.
