Dokpesi Diamond Lecture: Uzodinma Seeks Protection of Press Freedom in Honour of Late Media Mogul
Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma has called for improved commitment towards strengthening freedom of the press in the country as a way of honouring the legacy of the late founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Engr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Uzodinma stated this in Abuja on Sunday at the 3rd Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture on Communication and Development, organised by NIPR in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, themed, "Media, Democratic Consolidation Development".
According to the governor who served as the Guest Lecturer, the establishment of the first private radio and television stations in Nigeria - RayPower FM and the Africa Independent Television (AIT) by late Dokpesi helped in expanding broadcasting space in the country.
RayPower 100.5 FM began commercial broadcasting on September 1, 1994, while AIT followed in December 1996, creating additional platforms for news, political discussion and public participation during military rule.
The governor said the expansion of private broadcasting helped diversify public discourse before Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.
He said enhancing the freedom of the press which Dokpesi championed and ensuring that journalism remains credible and accountable to the public is a greater way of recognising and late media entrepreneur.
“Our democracy will be better served when the media can pursue the truth without intimidation, when government accepts the discipline of scrutiny, and when the institutions of accountability respond to what is established,” he said.
The governor also committed to leading the campaign for the establishment of national media centre in honour of the late Dokpesi, to promote research into the role of journalism in economic growth and national development.
In his remarks, the President of NIPR, Dr. Ike Neliaku urged Nigerians to strive to live a life of legacy so that even while they are no more, their footprints will keep their memories alive.
According to Dr. Neliaku, High Chief Dokpesi impacted communities and left a legacy in the media space through the establishment of DAAR Communications Plc, which he stressed has continued to play a pivotal role in expanding civic space and giving citizens a voice.
"We are here again today to celebrate a legend, because in NIPR we believe that when the chips are down, your legacy answers your name. You can claim to be anything but what you leave behind will speak for you", he noted.
He also urged for support and partnership in the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum (WPRF) which he said is a reputation project Nigeria must maximise to create new advocates from over 126 countries expected to participate at the Forum.
Also speaking, Mr. Paul Raymond Dokpesi Jr., son of late High Chief Dokpesi stated that his father was inspired to invest in the media space as a result of his belief in democratic principles and the need to drive development through plurality of opinions.
"He democratized the airwaves so that the promise of Nigeria could be debated openly, passionately and inclusively. To him, the media was never a passive observer of history. It was an active architect of development. Inform a people and you empower them. Educate them and you liberate them. Give them a platform and you lay the foundation for national progress", he stated
While calling for partnership between the media and public relations professionals to deepen good governance and development, Dokpesi Jr. expressed gratitude to the NIPR for its commitment to professionalism, strategic communication and national integration, which he said mirrors the values his father held.
