The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule has eulogiesed the founder of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) on their legacies, service to humanity and remarkable achievements.
Sule gave the eulogy in his keynote address at the 2nd Raymond Aledgho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja.
The lecture with the theme, “Communication and Development” was put together by DAAR Communications, NIPR, University of Public Relations and Leadership and World Public Relations Forum.
“Today, we are here to celebrate an icon of the media, a man who the history books refer to as being the first to establish a private establishment called independent radio station and later on the AIT.
“At that time, almost everything in Nigeris was owned by the government. And he established that and during a difficult period of the military, and he was not afraid to established that and talk about and against the government when it is necessary.
“Dokpesi was never a spychophant and to continue to remember him, and sustained his strategies to enhance sustainability is remarkable.
“Some organisations died with the dead of the founder, but here is Dokpesi’ legacies waxing stronger, even after his death. I congratulate the DAAR family for this.
“As we reflect about the life and times of Chief Raymond Dokpsi, we must ask ourselves this question; what does it take to be the first or number one?. We define a leader as someone who knows the way, shows the way and leads the way.
“And as being the first to dream and have the courage to owed and operated his private media in Nigeria, Dokpesi has earned our respect of being a leader, not just in broadcasting in Africa but a leader in courage and doing the right thing,” Sule said.
He said Dokpesi hold the bragging right to be call leader in radio and television, not only in Nigeria but in Africa, adding that may his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
Sule appreciated the President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku and his team, including Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura.
He saluted their courage to established the first University of Public Relations and Leadership in Gudi, Nasarawa State and other remarkable achievements recorded by the institute.
Speaking, Neliaku said the reason for the lecture is to celebrate the legacy of Dokpesi.
“When you live a life without laying claim to your legacy, you leave them out there to be a subject of controversy, where everyone begin to claim.
“And that is why they will come and tell us that Mongo Park discovered River Niger, meanwhile Nupes, Onitchas and other communities have been fishing in that areas, but when you check history, they will tell you is Mongo Park
“We have gathered here today not only to celebrate the memories of a man, but the mision of the missionary; a man who use communication as a tool for liberation, education, entertainment and transformation. He is a pathfinder who broke barriers in media.
“He democratised information and gave voice to the voiceless. That is one man’s effort, that is his legacy to national building, touching lives of ordinary people and given them hope,” Neliaku said.
Neliaku said Nigeria would hold the World Public Relations Forum in 2026, adding that it has established the University of Public Relations and Leadership with the help of Gov. Sule.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of DAAR Communications, Dr Raymond Dokpesi jnr said the founder of the media organisation believed that no nation can developed beyond its ability to communicate truly to itself.
“Chief Dokpesi was not just a media entrepreneur, he was visionary about giving Nigeria and Africa at large the platform with which to tell own stories, shape our own narratives and bridge global information gap.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that high point of the event was the conferment of Honourary Fellowship of NIPR on Gov. Sule
Also, many dignitaries such as Sen. Adams Oshiomole, Mariam Sanusi, NAWOJ President, Aisha Ibrahim, and others, equally eulogised the founder of DAAR Communications. (NAN)