Chief Raymond Dokpesi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and founder of DAAR Communications Plc, died in a hospital in Abuja yesterday.
According to the information from the staff member of DAAR, who did not want to be mentioned, Dokpesi had suffered a stroke shortly after the recent Ramadan fast and had been managing his health since, before his death yesterday.
The family of Dokpesi confirmed the death of the media giant in a statement signed by Raymond Dokpesi (JNR) yesterday.
According to the statement, “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi (Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom) who passed away on May 29th, 2023.
“High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
He further stated that High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community, adding that his legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.
The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch.
“We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family. The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course. May his soul rest in peace,” he stated.
In his reaction, President Bola Tinubu mourned the death of Daar Communications founder and owner of Africa Independent Television, Raymond Dokpesi, saying he would be sorely missed.
Dokpesi died yesterday at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by his media officer, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.
The president described the death of the media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.
He said, “The death of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is a blow to the media industry where he has played pioneering roles in private broadcasting. His pacesetting investment in the industry is an inspiration to many who come after him.
“The history of the evolution of the Nigerian media industry will be incomplete without prominent mention of Dokpesi and his giant footprints on the media landscape.
“I express my sincere condolences to the management and staff of Daar Communications and the family of the late media entrepreneur for this monumental loss,” he said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it was devastated by the death of one of its leading lights, member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), media mogul, statesman and patriarch of the Dokpesi family, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Anthony Dokpesi.
National publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba said Dokpesi was an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal party man, a brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur who was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our great party and the nation at large.
