The media industry in Nigeria, and indeed Africa, is in sorrow. In spite of the significance of May 29 as Nigeria's day of transiting from one civilian administration to another, the day would also go down in infamy as the dark hour in which a media magnet, business mogul, political titan and godfather to many, in the person of High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) the founder of DAAR Communications transited to the Great Beyond. May his soul rest in peace.
The remains of the late media mogul will be buried in Agenebode, Edo state on Thursday June 22nd as a confirmation of the tragic reality that we shall never see the great man again. Such is life. We all have only a limited time to live, after which we must answer the home call and return to our maker. This is why it is incumbent on us to make the most of the limited time allotted to us before it elapses. Late Chief Dokpesi had lived for 71 years which was the time allotted to him and he had made an excellent use of it contributing to nation-building and touching the lives of many souls through his business empire, the most notable of which is DAAR Communications plc the parent company of Raypower, Faaji FM and the Africa Independent Television (AIT). The arrival of these media outfits as the benefit of the deregulation of broadcasting in Nigeria in 1992 has changed the landscape of broadcasting in the nation. The more the merrier, as the saying goes. Such a giant stride in the media coming from someone who had read marine engineering was a testament of courage and vision. The nation will be eternally grateful to the High Chief for his efforts in promoting press freedom and upholding democratic values in Nigeria.
A man of many parts, the late statesman’s engagements did not stop in the media; Chief Dokpesi also trod the political landscape. He was the political campaign manager of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur when he contested and won the Gongola state gubernatorial contest in the Second Republic in 1983. He subsequently managed the presidential campaigns of the same Alhaji Bamanaga; Adamu Ciroma and Peter Odili. Driven by the desire to strengthen his party the Peoples Democratic Party, Dokpesi contested for its National Chairmanship position and travelled round the country selling his candidacy to the state chapters of the party but lost to Uche Secondus in the election.
By taking the business of broadcasting to a higher level, DAAR Communications has been informing, educating, entertaining and enlightening millions of Nigerians both home and abroad. The credit goes to late Chief Dokpesi for his vision. While I had never met the fallen colossus in person but I have been hugely impacted by his brainchild. Programs like Political Platform; Perspectives in Politics; Focus Nigeria; Matters Arising; Moneyline with Nancy; Democracy Today with Ijeoma; Gender Agenda with Adaora; Sports Extra; Weekend Sports; etc. on AIT and Raypower have been entertaining and deepening my understanding of national and global issues over the years.
It is apt that the statement announcing his eternal journey said - “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.”
Tributes have been pouring in honor of the departed media mogul as politicians, celebrities and other renowned personalities have been extolling the virtues of the late chief. The following condolence messages as copied from Facebook attest to this:
Former President Goodluck Jonathan wrote: “As a patriot and politician, he exemplified the virtues of loyalty, justice and service. A team player and bridge builder, High Chief Dokpesi played the kind of politics that promoted friendship, ethnic cohesion and national unity.”
Former vice president Atiku Abubakar wrote: “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!”
Former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki wrote “Chief Raymond Dokpesi was not just a friend and a brother, but a visionary, whose contributions to Nigeria's media industry have left an indelible mark.”
Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki wrote “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… A worthy ambassador of Edo State, Chief Dopkesi will be remembered for his knack for excellence and unwavering spirit of enterprise.”
Oyo state governor Seyi Makinde wrote “We are deeply saddened by the shocking news of the untimely passing of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi today. Chief Dokpesi was a respected elder statesman and member of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Bauchi state governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed wrote “High Chief Dokpesi was a pillar of strength and wisdom in our community, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations. In this time of grief, please find solace in the memories of his remarkable life and his positive impacts on those around him.”
Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan, the elegant Kogi state politician wrote “Rest in Peace High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; the great iroko who revolutionized the media space.”
Nollywood actress Regina Askia Williams wrote: “How shall we - Nollywood in particular- honor Chief Raymond Dokpesi? He was indeed a colossus, from whose shoulders many of us took flight!”
A statement released by Hama Bachama and The Bachama Traditional Council said “High Chief Dokpesi was a global citizen and his departure is a huge loss to the nation, to Africa and to humanity at large. His numerous legacies will continue to impact lives for many years to come. Until his death, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi held the traditional title of ‘Lintu Bachama’ of the Bachama Kingdom, conferred on him by the paramount Ruler of Bachama Kingdom His Royal Majesty, Homun Dr. Daniel Shaga Ismaila, CON Kpawo Nomwe, Gilongo Diya Hama Bachama, on December 17, 2022.
In conclusion, my condolences to his family; DAAR Communications; acquaintances; and the media industry in Nigeria and Africa. Rest in power sir. You have lived a life of impact and service to your nation. May God bless your soul. There are no sufficient words for me to say 'thanks' for benefitting from DAAR Communications. While my heart is full of gratitude, I am however, pained by your sudden exit. So long, Chief.
DOKPESI LIVES ON...
