Isiyaku Ahmed
Abuja – The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed shock and regret over the death of Chief Alegho Ayaoghena Raymond Dokpesi, the Founder of DAAR Communications Plc.
High Chief Raymond Dokpesi died in the wee hours of Monday at the age of 71 years.
In a statement on Monday, the National President of NUJ, Chris Isiguzo MFR described Dokpesi as a National Icon and Media Entrepreneur whose footprint in the broadcast media will remain indelible.
According to the statement, the NUJ profoundly regrets the death of the High Chief, a National Icon and Media Entrepreneur.
Other parts of the statement read;
“The Founder of DAAR Communications, the pioneer private broadcast station in Nigeria, Chief Raymond Dokpesi died on Monday, the Presidential inauguration day in Abuja. The chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 71.
His death was confirmed in a statement in Abuja by the son of the late media Mogul, Raymond Dokpesi Jr.
“A Media Mogul, whom despite the difficult terrain in which the media operate in the Country and the undue pressure and harassment from State Actors, had stood firmly in support of a free and independent media and resisted any attempt by politicians and government toward increased control of the media and harassment of Journalists.
“Chief Dokpesi who had devoted the greater part of his life to fighting for media development, especially the private broadcast industry which he pioneered in the country, was a completely detribalized Nigerian whose forthrightness, and doggedness remain outstanding.
“A patriotic citizen, he remained consistent and refused to be dragged into issues he never believed in, even when he was subjected to political intimidation and harassment.
“We call on all Nigerian Journalists to promote Development Journalism and continue to exhibit the highest professional and ethical standards as the best way to immortalize Chief Dokpesi.
“The media industry will miss his great sense of humour and tireless pursuit of excellence in the profession.”
