Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman DAAR Communication PLC could not hide his feelings about this lost gem during his Fidau prayers at the premises of DAAR Communication Alagbado Lagos yesterday.
According to him, Ladi who came in as the Director of News helped in shaping the character of those in the News Sector.
It is only few people that know that Ladi left Radio Nigeria because he was in search of a platform where he could fight the course of justice.
He further stated that Ladi was incorruptible. He was a man I Had confidence in beyond myself. When he believed in something, he would stand by it. In case you don’t know, Ladi was one of those who believed and fought for the actualization of the June 12 election.
He sacrificed his all for DAAR Communication. In year 2000 when the foundation of DAAR was shaking, Ladi was there beside me all through the struggle.
The Chairman amid tears emphasized that he has lost a gem, someone who shared in his dreams. I am very touched he lost the battle to the kidney problem he had. Lado as I fondly call him will be missed by everybody in DAAR Communication PLC.
The guest lecturer at the occasion Alhaji Laid Tella (commissioner finance/admin National Pilgrim Commission) said Ladi was a loyalist per excellence to his superiors, no wonder he started as the Director of News at AIT and ended as the group’s GMD. According to him, Ladi brought innovative glamour to broadcasting and also began the term of prosperity in the Lagos chapter of NUJ.
However, the newly commissioned NUJ secretariat at Alausa was yesterday (6/6/09) named after him. Other structures named after him include the Radio complex of DAAR Communication in Lagos, the major street leading to the premises of DAAR Communication in Abuja amongst others.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include Comrade Adams Oshiomole, the minister for state petroleum Mr. Ajumogbobia, former secretary for health Pharmacist Julius Adelusi, the leaders of the Odua Peoples’ Congress Dr. Fredrick Fasheun and Otunba Gani Adam. Others are the information commissioners of both Ondo and Ogun state Ranti Akerele and Kayode Samuel respectively, the national publicity secretary ot the Action Congress Alhaji Lai Mohammed and other notable Nigerians.
