The Nigerian Guild of Editors has expressed sadness over the demise of the chairman of Daar Communications Ltd, owner of AIT and Raypower 100.5FM, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
In a statement by its president, Mustapha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren; the NGE described Dokpesi as a “disruptive innovator in the broadcast industry who worked very hard and firmly to promote independent press, freedom of the press and access to information.”
“High Chief Dokpesi played a strategic role in the liberalisation of the broadcast industry in Nigeria, with his establishment of the first private radio station, Raypower 100.5FM, in Nigeria.
“An employer of many editors and hundreds of other journalists in Nigeria, he firmly used his media outfits to deepen democracy and raise the voice of the voiceless in our country.
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“High Chief Dokpesi was a strong advocate of press freedom and independent press. The NGE worked closely with him during several attempts by the National Assembly to pass anti-media laws and his voice was very loud.”
While expressing its heartfelt condolences to the Dokpesi family and the entire DAAR Communications family, the NGE said that “if the earth that will cover Dokpesi will be light, it is because he represented humanity and excellent services to many and his country.”