Media mogul and founder of DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company for AIT and Raypower, High Chief (Dr) Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, is dead. He was aged 71.
Dokpesi was a PDP Chieftain and also the Deputy Director-General Technical and systems of PDP Presidential Campaign Council for the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
A statement signed by his son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., said Dokpesi, who was the Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom, died on Monday. The statement however did not disclose the cause of his death.
The statement by the family read: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023.
“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
“High Chief Dokpesi 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. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.”
“The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course. May his soul rest in peace.”
However, in another statement by the Group Managing Director, Daar Communications, Tony Akiotu, said Dokpesi passed away on Monday in Abuja after a brief illness.
Akiotu, who wrote on behalf of the Board and Management of DAAR Communications said, “He had been ill in the last few weeks but was well on his way to recovery. He had a fall earlier today, while on the thread mill during a routine gym exercise,” Akiotu said.
Meanwhile condolence messages have been pouring in for the late High Chief after his death was announced on Monday.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, expressed sadness over the death of Dokpesi and described him 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.”
Atiku Abubakar in a statement 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 endeavor.
“Ezemo, as we fondly called, was an enigmatic business personality, a news maker in life and, sadly, even in death,” he said, as his immediate reaction to the news of Dokpesi’s death was an expression of grief and shock.
“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!”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, has said it was devastated by the death of Dokpesi.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDO said Dokpesi was an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal Partyman; brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur who was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of the 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.
“He was a detribalized Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes.”
Condolence messages have continued to pour in from Nigerians from different quarters, including, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, his Edo and Ogun States counterparts, Godwin Obaseki and Dapo Abiodun, amongst others.
Part credit: PT
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