• Home
  • Anti-Corruption
  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
  • National
    • Government
  • Security
  • Features
  • State
  • Event
    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Search
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
Sign in
Welcome! Log into your account
Forgot your password? Get help
Password recovery
Recover your password
A password will be e-mailed to you.
PRNIGERIA PRNigeria News
PRNIGERIA PRNIGERIA
  • Home
  • Anti-Corruption
    • Mohammed Idris Malagi, Honorable Minister of Information and National Orientation

      FG Reaffirms Non-Interference in ICPC, EFCC Operations

      ICPC Secures Conviction of Rector for Running Unaccredited Degree Programmes

      Engr Abba Babagana Dalori

      Engr Dalori Forfeits Galaxy Hospital, Petrol Station, Properties & Cash

      Chinese nationals jailed in Lagos

      Court Jails Nine Chinese Nationals for Cybercrime in Lagos

      ASUU

      Tackle Corruption, Institutional Decay – ASUU Charges FG

  • Fact-Check
  • Economy
    • Customs Begins Live Operations of Automated Excise Register System

      Still on the “National Single Window” Project By Abdulsalam Mahmud

      Minister of Finance Wale Edun and the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi decorating OP Olaniyan

      Customs Generates N3.7trn in H1 2025 as FG Targets Enhanced Private…

      Customs Gets 4 New Deputy Comptrollers-General, 12 ACGs, Promotes 3,312 Officers

      DG NITDA Inuwa Kashifu at the GITEX Nigeria

      Sanwo-Olu, Tijani, Kashifu Urge Digital Innovation as GITEX Nigeria Opens

  • National
    • Military Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Niger, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Sokoto

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Launch Offensive Against Terrorists in Zamfara, Arrest Collaborators in Sokoto

      Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi

      Audi mourns as NSCDC loses 8 operatives after rescue operation in…

      Eid El-Maulid: Kwara Gov Urges Muslims To Embrace Unity, Shun Partisanship

      Military Troops during operations

      Troops Recover Weapons in Kwara Operation, Donate Fertiliser to Farmers in…

    • Government
      • JUST IN: NNPP Expels Reps Member Abdulmumin Jibrin Days After Visiting…

        Ganduje: A Lifetime of Service Beyond Politics By Garba Yusuf Abubakar

        Eid El-Maulid: Kwara Gov Urges Muslims To Embrace Unity, Shun Partisanship

        Officers of NSCDC Mining Marshals

        Nigeria’s War on Illegal Mining Needs the Media on the Frontlines…

        FG, Experts Urge Information Commissioners to Partner with ICPC on Grassroots…

  • Security
    • NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar…

      Kano Police Arrest 9 for Setting Patrol Van Ablaze, Probe Murder…

      Military Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Niger, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Sokoto

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Launch Offensive Against Terrorists in Zamfara, Arrest Collaborators in Sokoto

      Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi

      Audi mourns as NSCDC loses 8 operatives after rescue operation in…

  • Features
    • Ganduje: A Lifetime of Service Beyond Politics By Garba Yusuf Abubakar

      ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi

      DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: The Spokesperson Who Redefined Police Communication

      (L-R) Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo of APC Kogi

      RECOMMENDED: Godfatherism the Ododo-Bello Way!! By Nafisat Bello

      Officers of NSCDC Mining Marshals

      Nigeria’s War on Illegal Mining Needs the Media on the Frontlines…

      Crisis Communication

      Building Resilience: Crisis Communication in Modern Organizations By Princewell N. Achor

  • State
    • NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar…

      JUST IN: NNPP Expels Reps Member Abdulmumin Jibrin Days After Visiting…

      Kano Police Arrest 9 for Setting Patrol Van Ablaze, Probe Murder…

      Military Troops in Action

      Troops Launch Offensive Against Terrorists in Zamfara, Arrest Collaborators in Sokoto

      Ganduje: A Lifetime of Service Beyond Politics By Garba Yusuf Abubakar

  • Event
    • BUKAA Announces 2025 AGM at BUK New Campus: Join In-Person or…

      Vice President Kashim Shettima and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

      Shettima at 59: Tinubu Hails VP’s Loyalty, Commitment to Service

      Erasmus Ikhide damaged Vehicle and Dangote Cement Truck

      Erasmus Ikhide Narrowly Escapes Death in Collision with Dangote Truck

      Supporters of Senator Shehu Buba

      PHOTOS: Bauchi Constituents Rally APC to Draft Senator Buba for 2027…

      The authors and their books

      PHOTOS: NIPR Hails Latest PRNigeria Books at Economic Confidential Lecture

    • PR Nigeria Award
  • E-Paper
Home Features DOKPESI: The Diamond Media Mogul, Raymond Goes Home By Alaba Yusuf
  • Features

DOKPESI: The Diamond Media Mogul, Raymond Goes Home By Alaba Yusuf

By
Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf
-
June 21, 2023

DOKPESI: The Diamond Media Mogul, Raymond Goes Home By Alaba Yusuf

Comets come but once in a century! And both the galaxy and mankind testify to such monumental phenomenon. For they are often few; impactful, historical and remarkable. Many prophets, saints and deities in history, hitherto in human form, have walked this hallowed corridor of life before transcending earthly ordinary to extraordinary realms of the supernatural.
Without sounding immodest, the Esomo of Edo State and Araba of Ondo State High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, 71, until his death on 29 May 2023 in Abuja, was not just an illustrious Etsako or Afemai’s son from his Agenebode homestead of Edo State; but clearly a distinguished rainbow from the riverside town that beamed the powerful ray of modern communication and information dissemination to the world at large.

Truly, Dokpesi was a human enigma, iconoclastic idea purveyor and an innovative influence peddler. The idealist trail-blazer, pathfinder and pioneer of private broadcasting in the country probably lived before his time. Dynamic Dokpesi was himself a Comet that sauntered into our world like a maverick meteor.

Also like a prism or octagonal architecture, the erudite and ebullient innovator aka The Disruptor, the founder and Emeritus Chairman of Daar Communications, Dokpesi, was a class act in ingenuity, tenacity, endurance, perseverance and philanthropy. The Poland-trained doctoral Marine Engineer was classically urbane and humane. He was bold, brave and courageous. Yet fair but fearless. A patriot, statesman, shrewd businessman; but one with milk of human kindness.
To those who knew him so well, like former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democtratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar; High Chief Raymond Dokpesi was loyalty personified, a master strategist and unrepentant workaholic. To Professor Pat Utomi, his college schoolmate at Loyola College, Ibadan, Oyo State, the deceased fellow of many institutes, was a dreamer and activist for a better Nigeria. During the Civil War years, as a student, Dokpesi was renowned as one of the promising lads or future leaders from the MidWest Region (now Edo and Delta States).

In his heartfelt tribute, former military president of Nigeria (1985-92) General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, retired, referred to the late marine engineer-turned-media mogul and political juggernaut, Dokpesi, as the High Chief of rare ideas on nation building, human capital harmonisation and modernisation.
Meanwhile, a few critics of the Esomo would label him a slave driver based on his insatiable appetite for success and perfection. His never-say-die spirit marvelled even the doubters of his immense ability and capability, proficiency and efficiency. Dokpesi was dogged, rugged and unbothered by any form of hurdle or obstacles piled on his unpaved way. Call him a bull dozer!

Read Also:

  • NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar Jamel
  • JUST IN: NNPP Expels Reps Member Abdulmumin Jibrin Days After Visiting Tinubu
  • Kano Police Arrest 9 for Setting Patrol Van Ablaze, Probe Murder Case

Like a pioneer sailor without navigational compass, this high-staking multi-dimensional entrepreneur burrowed through the hard rocks of government bureaucracy in Nigeria, and sailed through stormy seas, to the Bay of Good Hope in global media communication, birthing Raypower Radio and Africa Independent Television, AIT. Hence, there’s no way the story of private broadcasting in the country would be chronicled without the name of Daar Communications’ boss etched in gold. Dokpesi was the torchbearer in the field. He got IBB, a military president, to liberalise the broadcasting space in Nigeria! What a man of tall ambition?
Although so much has been said or written about Esomo, the Power of Ray. But the legacy he has bequeathed to the world cannot be captured in a single book. In fact, Dokpesi, as great leader that he was, mentored many and provided the ladder for younger generations to grow in media, music, movie and sports. Today’s phenomenal influence of Nigerian entertainment in the glitzy circus of global showbiz, is no doubt traceable to Dokpesi’s special love and investment in these spheres of life.

Many prominent film stars, producers, sports administrators and acts have paid homage to High Chief Dokpesi, as the very wind beneath their wings to sail to stardom, world-fame and wealth. The great patriot and philanthropist many a time hired private jets to convey Nigerian sportsmen to events around the world, whenever government provisions failed. AIT has also devoted a chunk of its corporate social responsibility to raising funds for medicare abroad for needy but hapless citizens. Dokpesi largesse extended to scholarship and human development in so many communities, home and abroad.

To be candid, how can anyone conclude a piece on the multi-titled Mahogany Man, the Araba of Ondo State, without decorating him with the epaulets of the Defender of Democracy. Dogged Dokpesi from a very humble background, symbolically dug the grave with bare hands and media muscles, to bury former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s purported Third Term presidential bid. The dynamic and astute political actor also midwifed many developmental bills and laws through the National Assembly, at the expense of his dear sweat and tears.
Finally, because the Esomo of the Universe has replicated himself in several people and places around the world, it shall be impossible to think of his demise or death even in years to come. Rather, like in traditional Yoruba culture where a King (Oba) doesn’t die but wa’ja (transist into the loft to join the ancestors); High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, who incidentally was born in Ibadan, old Western Nigeria, must have climbed the ladder into the life after life. The Comet breezed in and left magically on a day that his choice for President, Atiku Abubakar, would have been sworn in; if not for the obviously rigged 25 February 2023 election in Nigeria. Adieu, Chairman Emeritus Daar Communications, High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR. Dokpesi can never die!
Farewell Esomo, the riverside rainbow and diamond Raymond; the modern day comet of our time.

-Ends-

A tribute sent in from Abuja by Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf, a Communication Strategist and Public Relations practitioner.

VISIT OUR OTHER WEBSITES
PRNigeria.com EconomicConfidential.com PRNigeria.com/Hausa/
EmergencyDigest.com PoliticsDigest.ng TechDigest.ng
HealthDigest.ng SpokesPersonsdigest.com TeensDigest.ng
ArewaAgenda.com Hausa.ArewaAgenda.com YAShuaib.com
  • TAGS
  • Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi
Previous articleNavy’s Charts’ll Provide Potential for Nigeria’s Blue Economy — Uzodimma
Next articleHajj 2023: NAHCON Completes 170 Flights with 70,451 Pilgrims
Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf
Akinrogun Alaba Yusuf
Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar Jamel

Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi

Audi mourns as NSCDC loses 8 operatives after rescue operation in Edo

Ganduje: A Lifetime of Service Beyond Politics By Garba Yusuf Abubakar

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi

DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: The Spokesperson Who Redefined Police Communication

(L-R) Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo of APC Kogi

RECOMMENDED: Godfatherism the Ododo-Bello Way!! By Nafisat Bello

BUKAA Announces 2025 AGM at BUK New Campus: Join In-Person or Virtually

Officers of NSCDC Mining Marshals

Nigeria’s War on Illegal Mining Needs the Media on the Frontlines By Zekeri Idakwo Laruba

Crisis Communication

Building Resilience: Crisis Communication in Modern Organizations By Princewell N. Achor

IGP Egbetokun Appoints CSP Hundeyin as New Force PRO

FG, Experts Urge Information Commissioners to Partner with ICPC on Grassroots Anti-Corruption Drive

Still on the “National Single Window” Project By Abdulsalam Mahmud

The burnt vehicle

Troops Neutralise 13 ISWAP- Boko Haram Terrorists in Failed Ambush at Kareto, Recover Arms

Recent Posts

  • NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar Jamel
  • JUST IN: NNPP Expels Reps Member Abdulmumin Jibrin Days After Visiting Tinubu
  • Kano Police Arrest 9 for Setting Patrol Van Ablaze, Probe Murder Case
  • Military Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Niger, Foil Terrorist Attacks in Sokoto
  • Troops Launch Offensive Against Terrorists in Zamfara, Arrest Collaborators in Sokoto
  • Home
  • About
  • Adverts
  • Contact
© 2020 PRNigeria. All Rights Reserved.
Latest News
NAF, Ground Troops Neutralise 30 Terrorists in Joint Operation at Dar JamelJUST IN: NNPP Expels Reps Member Abdulmumin Jibrin Days After Visiting TinubuKano Police Arrest 9 for Setting Patrol Van Ablaze, Probe Murder CaseMilitary Arrest Suspected Kidnapper in Niger, Foil Terrorist Attacks in SokotoTroops Launch Offensive Against Terrorists in Zamfara, Arrest Collaborators in SokotoAudi mourns as NSCDC loses 8 operatives after rescue operation in EdoGanduje: A Lifetime of Service Beyond Politics By Garba Yusuf AbubakarDCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: The Spokesperson Who Redefined Police CommunicationNSCDC, Army Foil Bandit Attack on Plateau FarmersEid El-Maulid: Kwara Gov Urges Muslims To Embrace Unity, Shun PartisanshipTroops Eliminate Bandits, Rescue Abductee, Recover Motorcycles in KatsinaMilitary Foil Terrorists Attack, Recover Dozens of Rustled Livestock in Sokoto, KebbiTroops Recover Weapons in Kwara Operation, Donate Fertiliser to Farmers in ZamfaraTroops Ambush Militia Plotting Attack on Plateau VillagersRECOMMENDED: Godfatherism the Ododo-Bello Way!! By Nafisat Bello
X whatsapp