Tinubu, Obaseki, Condole AIT, Family Over Dokpesi’s Death

By Ayodele Oni

Condolence messages have been pouring to the family of the founder of African Independent Television, (AIT) Chief Dr. Raymond Dokpesi who passed on Monday.

President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the death of the founder of Daar Communications, owners of African Independence Television (AIT) and Raypower.

Dokpesi died on Monday at an Abuja hospital.

In a statement issued from his office Monday evening, the President described the death of the Media mogul as a huge loss to the Nigerian media industry and the country.

“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.”

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, mourned the passing of the Founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

The late Dokpesi was the pioneer of private Broadcast Media in Nigeria with the commencement of Ray Power FM Radio located at Alagbado in Lagos State.

In a statement, Obaseki said Chief Dopkesi was an illustrious son of Edo State, who recorded indelible achievements that marked him out as one of Nigeria’s most impactful media executives and the first to pioneer private broadcast media in Nigeria.

“He was a formidable Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing his experience and expertise to bear in handling party affairs.

“A worthy Ambassador of Edo State, Chief Dopkesi will be remembered for his knack for excellence and unwavering spirit of enterprise.

“I commiserate with the Dokpesi family, the good people of Weppa-Wanno, the Board and Management of Daar Communications as well as friends and associates and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”