Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications and a prominent figure in the Nigerian media industry, passed away on May 29, 2023, at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by his family in a press release signed by his son Raymond Dokpesi Junior. According to the statement, Dokpesi died from a fall on his treadmill while receiving medical care at an Abuja hospital. He had suffered a stroke shortly after the 2023 Ramadan fast and was recovering from it. The statement described Dokpesi as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, as well as a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer for the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and community.
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Who was Raymond Dokpesi?
Raymond Dokpesi was born on October 25, 1951, in Ibadan, Nigeria. His parents were from Agenebode, Edo state, and he had six sisters. He attended Loyola College in Ibadan and Immaculate Conception College in Benin City, where he was a pioneer member of Ozolua Playhouse, a dance/drama group. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin and completed his doctorate degree in marine engineering at the University of Gdansk, Poland. His studies were sponsored by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, one of the general managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
Dokpesi started his career as the personal assistant to Tukur and later served as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport under Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi. He ventured into business in the 1980s and established Africa Ocean Lines, the first indigenous shipping line in Africa. He also contributed to the formulation of the Nigerian Shipping Act Decree 1986, which stated the sharing formula of 40:20:20 for cargo between developed and developing countries.
How did Raymond Dokpesi revolutionize the media industry?
Dokpesi’s most notable achievement was the founding of DAAR Communications Limited, the parent company of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM. He launched AIT in 1996 as the first private television network in Nigeria and the first satellite TV station in Africa. He also pioneered the first privately owned radio station in Nigeria, Raypower FM, in 1994. He claimed that AIT set the standard for salary structure in the media industry, which the Nigerian Television Authority imitated.
Dokpesi’s media outlets were known for their independent and critical reporting of the Nigerian government and society. He faced several challenges and controversies, such as the suspension of his licences by the National Broadcasting Commission in 2019, the arrest and trial on corruption charges in 2015, and the attack on his convoy by gunmen in 2016. He also survived a serious COVID-19 infection in 2020.
Dokpesi was also a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and chaired the party’s National Conference Planning Committee in 2015. He contested for the party’s national chairmanship in 2017 but lost to Uche Secondus.
How did Raymond Dokpesi die?
According to the family’s press release, Dokpesi died from a fall on his treadmill while receiving medical care at an Abuja hospital. He had suffered a stroke shortly after the 2023 Ramadan fast and was recovering from it. He was electrocuted while using the equipment during a typical gym exercise, which led to a stroke and, regrettably, his death.
The family said they would release further details on the funeral arrangements later. They also requested for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
Dokpesi’s death was mourned by many Nigerians, especially his colleagues and associates in the media industry. They described him as a visionary, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a patriot. They also praised him for his contributions to the development of the media sector and the promotion of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
