Jonathan, Sambo, Information Minister, Others Eulogise Dokpesi at First NIPR-DAAR Memorial Lecture

Prominent Nigerians have extolled the life and time of late media icon and founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Engr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi for his contributions to nation-building.

At the first annual lecture in his honour jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc in Abuja on Friday, October 25, 2024, former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan described late Dokpesi as a brilliant
entrepreneur and visionary media mogul whose trailblazing endeavours in the industry have continued to reshape the Nigerian society.

The Dokpesi memorial lecture on Communication and Development was in acknowledgement of his contributions towards liberalising the media space and advancing good governance.

Jonathan applauded late Dokpesi whose 73rd birthday was also marked posthumously on Oct. 25 for leading an initiative that opened the door for ownership of private media houses and objective journalism which according to him, has strengthened the platform and the leverage for accountability, equity, justice and responsible governance across the
length and breadth of Africa.

"As a politician, I will like to say that late Dokpesi also played big on our turf. He was the kind of politician you would like to have in your corner either as a defender or as a striker to protect your back or bang in goals when it mattered.

"In any case, since we do not score goals in politics, let me explain this to mean that Dokpesi was the type of dedicated politician and patriot that put everything he had into working for the victory of his political party", the former Nigerian leader stated.

He recalled how the late media mogul did something he considered "wonderful" when as sitting President he lost election to an opposition in 2015.

"Dokpesi called me before I handed over and organised an evening party with so many senior Nigerians in attendance. People spoke and after I listened to all the conversations and speeches, it encouraged me that even though I have lost the election, I can still live on", he remarked.

Also speaking, former Vice President, Namadi Sambo noted that late Dokpesi answered a clarion call for the establishment of a media environment that reflects the voice of ordinary Nigerians, showcase the richness of the nation's cultural heritage and keep the public informed on matters of national importance.

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris said that the late Dokpesi was a man who loved and believed in Nigeria, having brought great energy and a pioneering spirit into the media industry, helping kickstart the age of independent broadcasting in Nigeria.

The Minister commended the passion late Dokpesi had for Nigeria, for investing, nurturing talent, and building a great and enduring institution for which he will be remembered for.

Chairman of the occasion, Wakilin Adamawa, Amb. Dr. Hassan Adamu while extolling the late Dokpesi said he was a focused visionary who pursued his vision with vigour and determination irrespective of the difficulties.

"Many people did not realize that without the democratization of information and the development of a vibrant media industry in Nigeria, political democracy will itself be hollow.

"The fact that we have a stable political democracy today should be attributed to the forward-looking visions of people like Raymond Dokpesi. It must be emphasized that private broadcasting has provided us many advantages including diverse perspective, holding leaders accountable to the people and fostering public discourse", he said.

The President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku while addressing the gathering said that the memorial lecture is part of the Institute's efforts to live its Act especially in the area of promoting the culture of celebrating professional excellence and strengthening national integration, both
of which he said the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi epitomised.

The NIPR President lauded Late Dokpesi for playing a very strong role in enhancing and defining the reputation of Nigeria at very critical points.

He added, "In fact, Chief Dokpesi often intervened at critical points to save threatening situation that could have damaged the image and reputation of Nigeria. Prominent amongst this was on matters of sports hosting rights involving Nigeria.

"Why the date is sacrosanct? Late Engr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, was born on the 25th October, 2024. Since October is the month designated by NIPR for hosting national lectures, it was only organic that we should adopt the date of his birthday to celebrate his accomplishments while with us on earth."