Frontline Nigerian media entrepreneur and Chairman Emeritus, Daar Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower FM, Raymond Dokpesi, died on Monday.
His death was announced by his family in a press release that described him as “a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community.”
The family, however, promised to give details about his death later.
Here are eight things to know about Dokpesi.
1. Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi was born on 25 October 1951 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
2. He was a Nigerian media entrepreneur who set up the Nigerian TV network, Africa Independent Television (AIT).
3. His parents were from Agenebode in Edo State, but he grew up with six siblings.
4. He was the organising committee chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party national conference in 2015.
5. He did his undergraduate studies in the University of Benin Edo State and completed his studies in University of Gdansk, Poland where he earned his Doctorate degree in Marine Engineering.
6. His studies, from secondary school to university level is said to be sponsored by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, a prominent Nigerian civil servant from Adamawa State who served as Minister of Industries in the administration of General Sani Abacha.
7. Dokpesi started as the personal assistant to Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.
8. Dokpesi also served as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport under Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi.
