Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, House of Representatives Member – Elect for Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, has described the passing away of popular media mogul and founder of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM, High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, as a big blow to the media industry and Nigeria’s democracy, both of which his innovation in the media industry helped to nurture and sustain.
The demise of Dr. Dokpesi, who pioneered the independent broadcast industry in Nigeria, by establishing both Raypower FM and AIT, was announced by his family on Monday, May 29, 2023.
Hon. Ogene, who is a former editor and also former Deputy Chairman, Media and Public Affairs Committee of the 7th House of Representatives, in a statement in Abuja, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the management and staff of AIT and Raypower, adding that the late Dokpesi’s foresight and ingenuity, helped to shape democracy in Nigeria, as both media establishments offer unfettered access, opportunities and platform for both free speech and inclusivity in national discourse.
According to Ogene, who is also the Labour Party’s caucus leader in the incoming Assembly: “High Chief Dokpesi was a media icon, who through hard work, creativity and doggedness in the face of both industry and institutional challenges, enshrined himself in the consciousness of the nation and remained very relevant at the national stage of both political and corporate Nigeria till the very end.
“He was not only huge in physical stature, he was also a giant at different fronts of life endeavours. As a great socialite, his contacts and relevance were beyond his generation, as he freely related with people of all generations across social class and ethnic and religious backgrounds.”
Hon. Ogene prayed that God grant the late Dokpesi’s soul peaceful repose, and his loved ones and mentees the fortitude to bear his sudden passage.