Jonathan: He made me realised there is life after losing election… Convinced our administration to host 2009 Under-17 World Cup
Obaseki: He was an embodiment of the true values of Edo
Prominent Nigerians yesterday including former presidents and heads of state joined the family of late media icon, Raymond Dokpesi, to pay tributes to the founder of Daar Communications at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Dokpesi who passed away on Saturday, May 27 this year, would be laid to rest in his home town, Agenebode in Edo State on June 22.
The event which was attended by Nigerians of all works of life, saw former presidents and heads of states poured tributes and last respect to Dokpesi who they took turn to describe as one of Nigerians most successful businessman and politicians who lived life at its best and was loyal to a fault.
Among those present at event were former president Goodluck Jonathan, former vice president Atiku Abubakar, Governor Godwin Obaseki, former governor Osareimhe Osunbo, Former governor Gbenga Daniel, Senator Philip Aduda Former Senate Minority Leader, Prof. Jerry Gana, Governor Obaseki, Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja and a host of others.
In his address, former Nigerian’s vice president and the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abuba, described the late media mogul, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi as a man whose loyalty was never questioned.
Atiku said his Dokpesi’s loyalty to his friends him earned the respect of many across Nigeria and beyond. Atiku disclosed that as friends, he and Dokpesi maintained good relationship for over 40 years due to his caring and commitment to develop Nigeria.
He said that the late mogul died when his contribution is needed the most in the country and if there was anything Dokpesi would regret in his life time on earth, would be that he did not live to see the Nigeria of his dream.
Atiku said: “I was informed in late April that he was ill. I went to his home to see him and he was obvious that he was making good recovery. As usual, he was in high spirit and we chatted for a while and we kept in touch his recovery. I was shocked to learn that he passed away on 29 May 2023.”
“Death is inevitable but I believe Raymond had much more to contribute to the development of this country. He was not tired and he seems that he hid himself of the day to day running of some of his business to devote more time to public service. However, as the Holy books taught us, God knows best.”
“He was very well liked across the country. He remained loyal to his sponsor and mentor, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur until death separated them.
Dokpesi was an astute, successful and visionary businessman with an ability to sniff out opportunities that most people missed.
He added that his relentless lobbying led to the change of law that broke government’s monopoly in broadcast journalism to establish Raypower Radio and the Africa Independent Television (AIT) in 1994.
On his part, former president Goodluck Jonathan disclosed how Dokpesi helped him regain confidence about life after losing the 2015 presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Jonathan, it was the last thing he ever thought of. He said it was a rare gesture to see a friend organise a party for a fellow friend who just lost an election after being deserted by those closed to him.
Former President Jonathan went on to disclosed that it was an event organised by Dokpesi that motivated him to realised that there were much more to live for after that incident in 2015.
He said: “I was in a dilemma after I lost the election where some of the people you think instead of you to die, they will prefer to take the bullet for you but surprisingly, they even forgot your name when you lose the election.
“To my surprise I was told that Dokpesi would host me for an event. I was surprised that how will he do that for a person that lost election. He was the first person that made me believe that there could still be life after losing an election “
“Initially, I was sceptical, but I said let’s go. I thought it is going to be a small gathering of his friends and family but the place was filled up. So the words of encouragement from Dokpesi and all the other people gave me that energy to do what I am doing today.”
Speaking further, Jonathan explained that Dokpesi’s managerial skills and prudentnes
was the only reason that compelled his former principal, late Yar’Adua to reconsider hosting the 2009 U-17 World Cup after rejecting the idea of Nigeria spending huge amount on the competition.
“Nigeria was to host the World Cup and, of course, we love soccer very much. When the memo got to the president, he was not too comfortable with the financial involvement and so on. So, he felt we can’t spend such kind of money and turned it down.
“Fortunately, Dokpesi came to my house as the vice president and made his presentation to me that convinced me that Nigeria can host the tournament. The following morning, I went to take it up with the president and he agreed that we should host it. So, if not for the person, we would not have hosted it.”
On his part, former military president, Ibrahim Babangida said Nigeria has lost one of its greatest assets.
He said the last time Dokpesi visited him, they “had discussion on the next presidential election. He was a detribalised Nigeria who is loved by Nigerians all over.
“He was involved in my campaign when I wanted to venture into politics and he advised me very well, said Babangida who spoke virtually at the event.
Former military head of the state, Abdulsalam Abubakar, described Dokpesi as a true pro democracy advocate who used his medium to promote true democracy and policies that shaped the democratic development of the country.
He said: “He made great progress in the media industry. He was involved in not only to educate Nigerians but to set out policies that help shape the fortune of the country.
“It’s very difficult and disheartening to lose such a person. The world will miss him”.
Chief host of the event, Governor Godwin Obaseki, described Dokpesi as an embodiment the core values of the Edo people.
He said as one of the pioneer members of private media broadcast in Nigeria, he would be forever be remembered for his contributions to national developments and as one who was not only loyal but who strived to build bridges.
“He was an illustrious son of Edo State who was an embodiment of our core values as Edo people because he exhibited the core values of hard work, creativity, loyalty and friendship as had been attested to by people who paid tributes this night”
He said his remarkable achievements as one of Nigerian most impacted media icon, would remain a lasting legacy.
“We will miss him”, Obaseki concluded.
