Several well-known Nigerians have expressed their sorrow over the passing of media mogul Raymond Dokpesi.
According to a statement from his son Raymond Dokpesi Jr., the chairman of DAAR Communications passed suddenly on Monday.
Condolence messages were sent in response to the news of elder Dokpesi’s passing from a number of people, including Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
With regard to his enormous contributions to politics and the development of private media in Nigeria and Africa, Lawan described the passing of the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM as a significant loss to the Nigerian polity and media sector in a statement by his media assistant, Ola Awoniyi.
The Senate President praised Dokpesi for founding the first privately held radio station in Nigeria, the first privately owned satellite television network in Africa, and the first private television network in Nigeria.
“I commiserate with the immediate family of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, staff of AIT/Ray power FM radio and the media industry at large on this great loss.
“They should all be consoled that Dr Dokpesi made his mark in business, politics and the media industry and lived a fulfilled life,” Lawan said.
He prayed to God to grant him eternal rest and comfort his loved ones.
In a message of sympathy released on Monday by his media adviser, Gboyega Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the late Dokpesi would be remembered for breaking the monopoly of government-owned broadcasting in Nigeria by founding the first private radio station, Raypower FM.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I mourn the passage of businessman and media guru, who contributed his quota to the economy of Lagos State by providing job opportunities for many young Lagos residents in the media sector.
“High Chief Raymond Dokpesi was a forerunner in private broadcasting in Nigeria. He established the first privately owned television and radio in Nigeria. His bold decision to break the government monopoly in the broadcasting sector gave birth to hundreds of privately owned television and radio stations in Nigeria.
“He was also an active participant in Nigeria politics during the present Fourth Republic and served his party and Nigeria in different capacities. He was a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his community, state, and country.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Dr. Dokpesi and pray that God grants the media industry and the deceased family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Usman Baba, the Inspector General of Police, also expressed his condolences to the founder of African Independent Television (AIT).
IGP Baba characterised Dokpesi’s passing as a major loss for Nigeria, the media, and the continent of Africa as a whole.
The IGP prayed for Dokpesi’s soul to rest in peace as well as for God to guide his friends, family, and the DAAR Communications team.
Similar to this, the dead was a notable player in the media sector whose achievements had a lasting impact, according to Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.
“My heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the entire staff of AIT and Raypower FM. His departure is a significant loss for the entire media landscape,” Sulaiman said.
“He was a pioneer and a visionary who consistently pushed the boundaries of journalism and entertainment.
“His unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation has undoubtedly shaped the media industry as we know it today.”
He asked God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.