By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ex-IGP MD Abubakar, has, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI members, commiserated with the family, friends, and all Nigerians on the loss of High Chief, Dr. Raymond Dokpesi.

The broadcast communication guru, entrepreneur, and elder statesman who died on Monday, was the owner of Africa Independent Television, AIT and RayPower FM radio.

In a condolence message made available to New Express and signed by AANI National Publicity Secretary, Brigadier Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, the group described Dokpesi as an achiever with several notable firsts that include being the first Nigerian to obtain a private radio station licence, a shipping line licence, and a privately-owned television station.

It added that Raypower 100.5FM, his radio station, was also the first privately-owned radio station in Nigeria, while Africa Independent Television became the first African broadcast station to transmit to the USA.

The condolence statement read in part: “He pioneered the Nigerian media industry, making significant contributions throughout his career.

“In addition to his accomplishments in the media sector, Dr Dokpesi served the nation in the private and public sectors in various capacities, thus making tremendous contributions to national development and positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.

“He worked with the Federal Ministry of Transport and Aviation as the Head of the Water Transport Division between 1978 and 1983. His dedication to national development extended beyond broadcasting, as he established the first indigenous shipping line in Nigeria.

“Recognising his contributions, Dr Dokpesi was awarded the National Honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2008.

“His commitment to the growth of Nigeria's information, socio-economic, and political spheres through his television and radio stations is a testament to his patriotism and dedication to the country.

“The nation, his family, and his friends will all feel the loss of the High Chief (Dr.) Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR. Therefore, the entire AANI, the leading think-tank on policy and strategy in Nigeria, mourns deeply the great, patriotic, and detribalised Nigerian and conveys our condolences to his family, friends, DAAR Communication, and all Nigerians.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire future generations in the Nigerian media industry and beyond.”