By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Philip Shaibu, has mourned the passing of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, owners of Raypower FM and AIT (African Independent Television).
Dokpesi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain from Edo State, died on Monday, May 29 at the age of 71 years. He passed on at a hospital in Abuja, a statement issued by the family revealed.
Reacting to the development in a statement via his official Facebook page, Monday night, Shaibu said he was saddened to hear about the passing on to glory of the media mogul.
He described Chief Dokpesi as a prominent Nigerian media mogul and politician who founded the first private radio station in Nigeria, RayPower 100 Fm and the African Independent Television (AIT).
“A noble son of Edo State, and a media mogul, Dr Dokpesi made significant contributions to the Nigerian media landscape, and his media organisations played a key role in shaping public opinion in the country,” he said.
“As a politician, he was an active member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and had played key roles in the founding and growth of our great party.
“It is very sad that on a day like this, a prominent Nigeria and lover of democracy like High Chief Dokpesi, the Ezomo of Weppa Wano will join our heroes past, and I’m sure his contributions to Nigeria will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
“Chief Dokpesi is a great son of Etsako and it is my prayer that as a fellow Catholic, Chief Dokpesi will be greatly missed as he joins the saints of heaven.
“Rest in the bosom of our lord, my friend and worthy comrade,” the Edo deputy governor, Hon Shaibu concluded.
