Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the late media mogul, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, as a man with utmost loyalty to his friends which made him earn the respect of many across the country.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 25 presidential election stated this on the night of tributes organised by the family of the Late Dokpesi on Monday in Abuja.
Atiku said they had been friends for over 40 years due to his caring and commitment to the development of Nigeria.
He said the late mogul died when his contribution was needed the most in the country.
“I was informed in late April that he was ill, I went to his home to see him, and …it was obvious that he was making a good recovery. As usual, he was in high spirits and we chatted for a while and we kept in touch. I was shocked to learn that he passed away on May 29, 2023.
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“Death is inevitable but I believe Raymond had much more to contribute to the development of this country. He was not tired and it seemed that he hid himself from the day-to-day running of some of his businesses to devote more time to public service. However, as the Holy books taught us, God knows best.
“He was very well-liked across the country, he remained loyal to his sponsor and mentor, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, until death separated them.”
He added that he was an astute, successful and visionary businessman with an ability to sniff out opportunities that most people missed.
He added that his relentless lobbying led to the change of law that broke the government’s monopoly in radio and television to establish Raypower Radio and the Africa Independent Television (AIT) in 1994.
Dokpesi made me realise there is life after losing election – Jonathan
On his part, former President Goodluck Jonathan said after he lost the 2015 election, he was deserted by those close to him but an event organised by Dokpesi motivated him to know that there is life after losing an election.
“I was in a dilemma after I lost the election where some of the people you think instead of you to die, they will prefer to take the bullet for you but surprisingly, they even forgot your name when you lose the election.
“To my surprise, I was told that Dokpesi would host me for an event. I was surprised that how will he do that for a person that lost an election. He was the first person that made me believe that there could still be life after losing an election.
“Initially, I was sceptical, but I said let’s go. I thought it was going to be a small gathering of his friends and family but the place was filled up. So the words of encouragement from Dokpesi and all the other people that spoke gave me that energy to do what I am doing today.”
How he led Nigeria to host 2009 Under-17 World Cup
Jonathan added that Dokpesi’s doggedness led Nigeria to host the U-17 World Cup after former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua rejected the idea of Nigeria spending a huge amount on the competition.
“Nigeria was to host the World Cup and, of course, we love soccer very much. When the memo got to the president, he was not too comfortable with the financial involvement and so on. So, he felt we can’t spend such kind of money and turned it down.
“Fortunately, Dokpesi came to my house as the vice president and made his presentation to me that convinced me that Nigeria can host the Cup. The following morning, I went to take it up with the president and he agreed that we should host it. So if not for his person, we would not have hosted it.”
