Founder of DAAR Communications (owners of AIT and Raypower FM media platforms), High Chief Raymond Dokpesi has died at the age of 71.
Dokpesi who was also a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) died on Monday in Abuja.
His death was confirmed by his son, Raymond (Jnr).
“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.
“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.
“His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.”
Born October 25, 1951 in Ibadan, the late Dokpesi hailed from Agenebode, Edo state. He started his early schooling with Loyola College, Ibadan, after which he joined the Immaculate Conception College (ICC), Benin city where he was the pioneer member of Ozolua Play house, a dance/drama group. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin but completed his studies in University of Gdansk, Poland where he earned his Doctorate degree in Marine Engineering.
Dokpesi started his career as the personal assistant to Alhaji Bamaga Tukur, one of the general managers of the Nigerian Ports Authority. He also served as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport under Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi. The association of Raymond Dokpesi with the likes of the Tukurs and the late Abiola, resulted in the birth of first indigenous Shipping Line in Africa, African Ocean Lines (AOL), in the 1980s.
Although the business did not last long, it contributed a great deal to the Nigerian shipping Industry as it helped formulate the Nigerian shipping act Decree 1986 which stated the sharing formula 40:20:20 for cargo between developed and developing countries.
In the early 1990s, as a result of the historic National Broadcasting Commission decree, the Head of State then, General Ibrahim Babangida, issued a decree allowing private broadcasting in Nigeria.
In 1994, Dokpesi launched the first Nigerian private FM radio station, RayPower. Two years later, he launched Africa Independent Television (AIT); paving the way for the likes of Galaxy TV, Silverbird TV, MBI television, Rhythm FM and a host of others.
In 2003, AIT launched its signals in the United States. Presently, AIT is received in America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe-wide on the Hotbird satellite as well as countries within Africa.
Dokpesi was revealed in an interview that polygamy was one of his greatest regrets in life.
