– Urges Federal Government to declare October 25th, as Private Broadcasting Day in honor of Dokpesi
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Raymond Dokpesi Centre for Media Development (RDCMD) on Friday, gathered Nigerians from various walks of life to commemorate the life and legacy of High Chief Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, OFR, in the 17th Annual Raymond Dokpesi Endurance Trek.
The event, which held on October 25th, Dokpesi’s birthday, served as a tribute to his pivotal role in Nigerian broadcasting.
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Speaking at the event, Director General of RDCMD, Dr. Christopher Ebuetse, urged the Federal Government to honor Dokpesi’s contributions to the media industry by declaring October 25 as a national day for private broadcasting.
“In honor of the late Dr. Raymond Dokpesi’s remarkable contributions, we call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to declare October 25th each year as Private Broadcasting Day,” said Ebuetse.
“This honor would recognize the tremendous strides Dokpesi made in advancing Nigeria’s media landscape.”
Founded in 2007, the RDCMD celebrates Dokpesi’s legacy as the visionary behind RayPower 100.5 FM, Nigeria’s first private radio station, which revolutionized the industry and paved the way for alternative voices in media.
Dokpesi was also the first in the country to establish a 24-hour broadcast service, a breakthrough that reshaped Nigerian radio and television, supporting the growth of local music, Nollywood, and the entertainment industry.
The annual endurance trek, themed “The Role of the Late High Chief Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, in the Development of Broadcasting in Nigeria,” took place in Lagos and Benin City, sites significant to Dokpesi’s legacy.
Participants paid tribute to his impact not only as a media pioneer but also as a philanthropist whose initiatives uplifted many Nigerians.
The RDCMD’s call for a dedicated day of recognition underscores its commitment to preserving Dokpesi’s ideals.
“Dokpesi’s work broke barriers for press freedom and the role of private broadcasting in national development,” Ebuetse stated.
His legacy serves as a model for future generations and reminds us of the importance of a free press in strengthening democracy.
As RDCMD continues to honor Dokpesi’s legacy, they express hope that the Federal Government will immortalize his contributions to media in Nigeria, acknowledging his profound influence on the nation’s broadcasting landscape.
