Gov Uzodimma wants to set up national media centre for Dokpesi

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has suggested creating a national media centre to honour Raymond Dokpesi, the late founder of DAAR Communications Plc.

He made this suggestion on Sunday during the third annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, held in memory of Dokpesi.

The lecture was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc. The theme was Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development.

Mr Uzodimma said the planned centre would focus on media research, especially on how journalism can help boost economic growth and development.

He believes this initiative would keep Dokpesi’s legacy alive and promote development journalism. He also promised to lead a campaign to make it happen.

“This memorial lecture is a good starting point. But we must go far above that. The best tribute we can pay to his memory is to protect that freedom and ensure that the journalism practised within it remains worthy of public trust.

“But I think that as his friends and associates we should take the lead by building a national media centre in his honour. The centre will be a hub for research on the media and how it can be properly channelled for economic development, or, put simply, for development journalism. I shall be prepared to lead in the campaign for the establishment of this centre,” he said.

Mr Uzodimma added that Nigeria’s democracy would improve with a media that can hold public officials accountable without fear.

“Our democracy will be better served when the media can pursue the truth without intimidation, when government accepts the discipline of scrutiny, and when the institutions of accountability respond to what is established,” he said.

The governor believes the centre will help strengthen the media's role in democratic governance and national development, which is part of Dokpesi’s legacy.

Dokpesi, who passed away in May 2023 at 71, was known for starting private broadcasting in Nigeria. He founded DAAR Communications Plc, the company behind RayPower FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT), after the government deregulated the broadcasting industry in 1992.

RayPower 100.5 FM began commercial broadcasting in Lagos on 1 September 1994, becoming Nigeria’s first private radio station and the first to broadcast 24 hours. Two years later, on 6 December 1996, he launched AIT, which greatly increased the variety of television shows available to Nigerians and became a source for news, entertainment, and public affairs.

Through these platforms, Dokpesi created chances for entertainers, music producers, and programme makers who had trouble getting into established broadcasters. AIT especially provided a space for Nigerian television productions, while RayPower helped grow contemporary Nigerian music and entertainment.

Dokpesi died in Abuja after reportedly falling while exercising on a treadmill during his recovery from a previous illness. Reports said he had a stroke before he died. His family announced his death on 29 May 2023.

Besides broadcasting, Dokpesi was active in politics and philanthropy. His work in the media, especially the rise of private radio and television, is a key part of his legacy. The proposed national media centre would continue this legacy by supporting research on how media can enhance accountability, democratic governance, and national development.

In his speech, NIPR National President Ike Neliaku praised Dokpesi for his integrity and dedication to press freedom.

Mr Neliaku said the annual Diamond Lecture is meant to celebrate Dokpesi’s impact on Nigeria’s media industry and keep his legacy alive.

He also mentioned the upcoming World Public Relations Forum, which will take place in Abuja, saying it will gather participants from 126 countries.

The NIPR president confirmed that the institute is ready to host participants from around the globe.