The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday mourned the Founder of Daar Communications and African Independent Television (AIT), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, also known as Ezomo of Weppa-Wanno Kingdom.
PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in a statement in Abuja, described Dokpesi as an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal party man; brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur.
He said that the PDP family was devastated by the death of one of its leading lights, member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), media mogul, Statesman and Patriarch of the Dokpesi family.
“Dokpesi was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our great Party and the nation at large.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, Dokpesi deployed his media empire of AIT, Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to champion the course of national development, promoted greater and affordable access to information across the country.
“He stimulated good governance, enhanced economic growth and development in all critical sectors and opened our nation to international limelight and opportunities.
“He was a detribalized Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes,” he said.
Ologunagba said that Dokpesi’s death was indeed a colossal national loss and a big blow to the PDP family.
He condoled with the Dokpesi family, the Daar Communication Group, the government and people of Edo State, the Weppa-Wanno Kingdom and the Edo PDP family.
Ologunagba prayed to the Almighty God to grant all the fortitude to bear the devastating loss and also grant Dokpesi, eternal rest in His bosom.
In his reaction, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, also expressed shock at the passing of the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT), High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general elections, in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, described Dokpesi death as lost of a friend.
He described Dokpesi, who died at age 71, as a trailblazer who reshaped the Nigerian business landscape in every sphere of his endeavour.
“Ezemo, as we fondly called, was an enigmatic business personality, a news maker in life and, sadly, even in death.”
Abubakar, who expressed shock about Dokpesi, said he entered the corporate landscape at a relatively young age, proving the merit of his creativity with distinction.
“Ezemo was my friend, brother, counsellor, and associate, all rolled into one. He was honest, detribalised, loyal, and supremely hard working.
“Once committed to a cause, he will see it to a conclusion,” he said.
He prayed for Dokpesi immediate family to have the fortitude to bear the loss of a patriarch.
He also expressed his deepest condolences to the management and staff of AIT, the PDP, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, and the people and government of Edo State over the loss of an impactful patriot.