By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief ) @CelestineOkaf11
Founder and Chairman of DAAR Communications Limited, owners of AIT and Ray Power FM popular broadcast stations, High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, is dead.
Dokpesi, a maritime Engineer, media mogul and a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly died on Monday, May 29, 2023, at a hospital in Abuja, at the age of 71 years. He was said to have suffered stroke shortly after the recent Ramadan Fast.
The Afemai-born high chief from Agenebode in Edo North district, Edo State, South South Nigeria, has reportedly been in and out of the hospital as a result of his ailment. Dokpesi was also said to have been placed on occupational therapy to enable his health improve before his sudden passage on Monday.
A statement on Monday, May 29, 2023, shortly after Chief Dokpesi's death by his first son, Mr Raymond Dokpesi (Jnr.), confirmed the news of his passage.
The statement said thus: "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".
Chief Dokpesi pioneered private broadcasting media in Nigeria in September 1994 at Alagbado, Lagos, after the deregulation exercise of the Nigeria broadcast industry by the regime of the former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
He revolutionized the broadcast sector in the country with his establishment of the Ray Power FM Radio and the pan-African Tv known as the African Independent Television (AIT) under the DAAR Communications Limited media group.
Dokpesi, a former chairman of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) played a significant role in the grooming and fostering of the careers of a tribe of professional broadcasters in the Nigeria media industry today through his AIT and Ray Power FM Radio and subsidiary stations, etc.
Some of these distinguished professionals include: Mr Tony Akiotu (Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications Group); Ms Pauline Owhuevbie Ugbodaga (Executive Director, News and Human Resources); Mr Ambrose Shomide (Managing Director, Ray Power FM and Faaji FM Radio stations); VƬn Martins Obiora Ilo (former FRCN Enugu Network News presenter and CEO of Signature TV); Mr Mac Imoni Amarere (Executive Director, DAAR Communications Media Academy) and Dr (Mrs) Tosin Folake Abimbola Dokpesi, late Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi's wife and a Group Managing Director of AIT.
Others are: Dr Amaechi Anakwe (Producer/Presenter, Focus Nigeria); Mr Austin Ohiria Agbonsuremi (former Director of News, AIT); Mr Kelly Elisha (Chairman, Editorial Board of Daar Group); Mr Jika Atoh (pioneer presenter, AIT's breakfast show, KaKaaki); Mr Adebayo Bodurin (Director, Media Reportage and Head of Politics Desk of Daar Group); Mrs Tonia Uju Ike-Ejeye (General Manager/ Politics Editor, Daar Group); Mr Gbenga Aruleba (former Anchorman of AIT's Focus Nigeria and now Chief Consultant to AIT); Ace broadcasters and news presenters, Mr Nwabueze Njoku and Ms Jire Kola-Kuforiji, among many others.
High Chief Raymond Alegho Dokpesi was married with four wives and many children. NNL.
