Democracy Day: Raymond Dokpesi Remembered as Media Icon Who Gave Nigeria a Voice


By Elvis Omoregie 

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, tributes have continued to pour in for the late founder of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Dr. Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR, with broadcaster and socio-political commentator, Christopher Ebuetse, describing him as one of the foremost defenders of democracy and media freedom in Nigeria’s history.

In a lengthy tribute released on Thursday, Ebuetse said Dokpesi’s life represented sacrifice, courage, patriotism and unwavering commitment to nation-building, noting that the media mogul played a defining role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to him, Dokpesi was not merely a businessman or broadcaster, but “a nation-builder who gave Nigeria a voice at one of the darkest moments in the country’s political history.”

Ebuetse recalled that Dokpesi first distinguished himself in the maritime sector as an accomplished engineer and reformer before venturing into broadcasting, where he founded Raypower FM in 1993 — Nigeria’s first private radio station.

He noted that at a time when military authorities controlled information and public narratives, Dokpesi challenged state monopoly in broadcasting by creating independent media platforms that amplified public opinion and democratic resistance.

“Through Raypower 100.5 FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT), he transformed broadcasting into the heartbeat of democratic resistance,” Ebuetse stated.

“He stood firm during military intimidation, censorship and threats, refusing to abandon the country even at the peak of political uncertainty after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.”

According to the statement, Dokpesi’s media platforms became critical channels for pro-democracy voices, civil rights activists and opposition figures who were denied access to state-owned media.

Ebuetse further recalled that Daar Communications suffered repeated harassment, shutdowns and intimidation during the military era, yet Dokpesi remained resolute in his advocacy for free speech and democratic governance.

The tribute also highlighted Dokpesi’s role in Nigeria’s global media visibility, particularly during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria.

Ebuetse said the late media entrepreneur intervened through Daar Communications by deploying modern broadcast infrastructure that reportedly earned commendation from FIFA officials and prevented international embarrassment for the country.

“While others saw impossibility, Dokpesi saw national responsibility,” he said.

He also credited Dokpesi for supporting the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industries long before they attained global recognition, stressing that his media platforms helped promote Nigerian music, Nollywood and indigenous talents across Africa.

Ebuetse further referenced Dokpesi’s decision to broadcast National Assembly proceedings during debates surrounding the controversial third-term agenda, describing the move as a courageous defence of transparency and constitutional democracy.

“Dokpesi understood that democracy survives in transparency and dies in darkness,” he added.
The commentator described the late Daar Communications founder as “a patriot who consistently chose Nigeria over personal comfort and safety,” urging the Federal Government and democratic institutions to immortalise him for his contributions to media development and democratic consolidation.

He noted that Dokpesi’s death on May 29, 2023 — coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration — carried deep symbolic significance given his longstanding role in defending democratic ideals.

“History must never become ungrateful,” Ebuetse stated. “Nigeria must continue to remember the man who stood when others fled and who gave ordinary citizens a voice when silence was enforced.”

Dokpesi, founder of Raypower FM and Africa Independent Television, died at the age of 71 after decades of influence across media, politics, sports and public affairs.

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