Raymond Dokpesi passes away

*Succumbs to death at 71 

Chairman, Daar Communications PLC, and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi passes away at 71. 

A statement by his son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, said: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the death of Chief Raymond Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29, 2023.

“Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

“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,” he added.

Daar Communications Mgt reacts

Meanwhile, Group Managing Director of Daar Communications, Mr. Tony Akiotu further gave insight to the cause of Dokpesi's death, saying he fell off his threadmill during routine exercise.

He said: “He had been ill in the last few weeks but was on his way to full recovery. He had a fall off his threadmill during routine exercise.”

Dokpesi’s death a blow to media industry — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday,  mourned the death of Chief Dokpesi, saying he would be sorely missed.

Tinubu in a condolence message by his media officer, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz,  described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.

He said: “The death of Chief  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.

I've lost a friend, brother — Atiku 

Also,  Presidential  candidate of the PDP in the February 25, election, Atiku Abubakar, has  expressed sorrow over the passing away of Dokpesi.

Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in Abuja, yesterday, said: “Ezemo, as we fondly called, was an enigmatic business personality, a news maker in life and, sadly, even in death.

“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. "Ezemo was my friend, brother, counsellor, and associate, all rolled into one. He was honest, detribalised, loyal, and supremely hard working. Once committed to a cause, he will see it to a conclusion. I have lost a friend and brother."

Lagos NUJ mourns The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, has expressed grief over the loss of  Chief Dokpesi.

NUJ Lagos Council chairman, Adeleye Ajayi and Secretary, Tunde Olalere, in a statement, yesterday, said: “The NUJ received the news of his demise with shock, especially now that his contributions are highly needed in the overall transformation of the country.

“Chief Dokpesi will be remembered as one of the pioneers of 24-hour Television and Radio Broadcast with the establishment of Africa Independent Television (1996) and Ray Power FM (1993/1994).

“He also established an indigenous radio station FAAJI FM in 2012. He was a media proprietor who used the media platforms to promote press freedom and democratic values. He played active roles in Nigerian Politics.

“He also used the media industry to provide jobs for thousands of media practitioners. Dokpesi was also a Marine expert, who graduated with a First Class Degree in Marine Transport Engineering.

“He was the first Managing Director of the first indigenous shipping line - African Ocean Line and, later, he established Baldock Shipping Line. Dokpesi will forever be remembered for his immense philanthropic gestures.

“In view of his numerous contributions to journalism, Dokpesi was one of the recipients of the NUJ National Lagos Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria, held on December 8, 2022, in Lagos. The union prays for the repose of the soul of Chief Dokpesi and also prays that God will grant his entire family and the staff of DAAR Communications the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Bode George mourns Dokpesi

PDP chieftain, Bode George, while reacting to the death, said: “I received with shock the  passing of Chief Dokpesi. I have been close to him since we formed the PDP in 1998, and I am yet to see a more committed patriot to the Nigeria project.

“A businessman, philanthropist, media entrepreneur,  politician and trusted friend, this respected and accomplished illustrious citizen of Nigeria has left a legacy of kindness and charity stretched into many homes, institutions and communities.

“From the North to the South, East to West, Dokpesi touched lives through education, health, philanthropy, media and multiple empowerment opportunities.

“A pioneer in the media industry, he set the pace for others to follow in the ownership of private media houses, especially Radio and Television. 

“His towering influence in grooming many talented leaders in the media sector is unprecedented. Through foresight, wisdom, total commitment and dedication to work, he became a reference point in the PDP. I condole with family members, friends and associates of this great Nigerian whose legacy of patriotism cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

“This beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

PDP mourns

On its part, the PDP has expressed shock over the death of one of its leaders, Dokprsi. 

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba,  in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said: “The PDP family is 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,  Chief  Dokpesi.

“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 our great Party and the nation at large.

“As a patriotic Nigerian, Chief Dokpesi deployed his media empire of 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 detribalised Nigerian, who put the interest and well being of our 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, the Edo PDP family and prays to the Almighty God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this devastating loss and to Chief Dokpesi, eternal rest in His Bosom.”

Dokpesi's death painful, shocking — Ibori

Former Delta State governor, James Ibori, yesterday, expressed sadness over the death of Dokpesi.

Ibori in a statement, said he received the news of Dokpesi's death with shock, noting that his passage was a monumental loss to the nation, the media industry and the PDP family. 

According to him, as one of the pioneers of Nigeria's media industry, Dokpesi's vision, doggedness and diligence transformed and inspired a generation of media entrepreneurs in the country.

He said as a loyal and dependable member of the PDP family, Dokpesi, who served as the Deputy Director-General, Technical and Systems, of PDP Presidential Campaign Council for the February 25, 2023, presidential election contributed immensely to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

Ibori prayed the Almighty God to be with the deceased’s family, associates and staff, and grant them the fortitude to bear what he described as a huge and irreparable loss.