Daar Communications Chairman and a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, passed away in Abuja at 71.
According to a source who spoke with our correspondent, he passed away after having a stroke at an Abuja hospital. This allegedly occurred following the most recent Ramadan fast.
Before his untimely passing, the AIT boss had since been taking care of his health and had been started on occupational therapy to help him with his everyday responsibilities.
Dokpesi reportedly fell off a treadmill in his Abuja home on Monday morning, according to a family member who asked to remain anonymous. He died as a result of the accident.
After the broadcast business was deregulated in 1992, Mr Dokpesi founded Ray Power FM, Nigeria’s first private radio station, and African Independent Television (AIT) the following year.
The first son of the late media mogul, Raymond Dokpesi Jr., confirmed the death in a news release on behalf of the family.
“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,” the news release read.
“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.
“The Dokpesi family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family.”
He said the family will release further details on the funeral arrangements.
REPORTERS AT LARGE recalls that in 2020, the late Dokpesi, along with a few members of his immediate family, was hospitalized at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Born in Ibadan on 25 October 1951, Dokpesi founded the AIT and Raypower FM and was the Deputy Director-General of technical and systems of Atiku Abubakar’s Presidential Campaign Council.
