Senate President, Lagos Governor, and Prominent Nigerians Condole the Passing of Chief Raymond Dokpesi

In a wave of grief and sorrow, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and various prominent individuals from Nigeria’s public and private sectors have expressed their condolences over the passing of Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the chairman of DAAR Communications. The media mogul, who was the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, as well as a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), tragically passed away at the age of 71 on Monday.

Senate President Lawan, through a statement released by his media aide, Ola Awoniyi, conveyed his heartfelt condolences and described Dokpesi’s death as a significant loss to the Nigerian polity and the media industry. Recognizing his immense contributions to politics and the evolution of private media in Nigeria and Africa, Lawan expressed his sympathy to the immediate family of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, the staff of AIT/Raypower FM, and the wider media industry, urging them to find solace in Dokpesi’s indelible mark on business, politics, and the media sector.

Lawan concluded his message by offering prayers for eternal rest for the departed soul and comfort for the bereaved loved ones.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, paid tribute to Chief Raymond Dokpesi for his groundbreaking role in breaking the monopoly of government-owned broadcasting in Nigeria. As the pioneer of the first private radio station, Raypower FM, Dokpesi played a crucial role in providing job opportunities for countless young Lagos residents in the media sector.

The Governor acknowledged Dokpesi’s status as a forerunner in private broadcasting and credited him with establishing Nigeria’s first privately owned television and radio stations. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the transformative effect of Dokpesi’s decision to challenge the government monopoly in the broadcasting sector, which paved the way for the emergence of numerous privately owned television and radio stations in the country.

Additionally, Sanwo-Olu highlighted Dokpesi’s active involvement in Nigerian politics during the Fourth Republic, where he served his party and the nation in various capacities. He commended the late media guru’s philanthropic endeavors and dedication to serving his community, state, and country.

Concluding his tribute, Governor Sanwo-Olu offered prayers for the repose of Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s soul. He also extended his prayers to the media industry and the bereaved family, friends, and associates, urging them to find strength in coping with the irreparable loss.

Renowned senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, also expressed his condolences, praising the late PDP chieftain for leading a life dedicated to serving God and humanity. Ozekhome lauded Dokpesi’s philanthropic works, particularly his impact on the most vulnerable members of society. Noting Dokpesi’s accomplishments in the maritime world, where he earned a Ph.D. in Maritime Engineering, Ozekhome drew parallels between Dokpesi and prominent figures in the media industry, referring to him as the “Czar” and “Ted Turner of African broadcasting.”

Similarly, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, paid tribute to Chief Raymond Dokpesi, recognizing his significant contributions to the media industry. Sulaiman extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the entire staff of AIT and Raypower FM, emphasizing the lasting impact left by the deceased