Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, popularly called Raymond Dokpesi, was a media entrepreneur in Nigeria. With his company DAAR Communications, he entered the Nigerian mass media industry. He founded the Nigerian television network Africa Independent Television (AIT). In 2015, he was the chairman of the organizing committee for the People’s Democratic Party national conference.
He was still on trial on corruption charges as of March 2020. Dokpesi recovered from a severe COVID-19 infection in May 2020. He had a stroke shortly after the 2023 Ramadan fast and died on 29 May 2023.
Biography
| Full Name: | Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi |
| Stage Name: | Chief Raymond Dokpesi |
| Born: | 25 October 1951 (age 71 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Edo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Height: | 1.58 m |
| Parents: | Williams Ayaoghena Dokpesi, Alice Aishetu Dokpesi |
| Siblings: | 6 |
| Spouse: | Tosin Dokpesi, Angela Dokpesi |
| Died: | 29 May 2023, Abuja, Nigeria |
| Children: | Raymond Dokpesi Jr, Homto Zaida Dokpesi, Regina Dokpesi |
| Occupation: | Businessman • Politician |
| Net Worth: | $50 million |
Early Life
Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (25 October 1951 – 29 May 2023). His parents were from Agenebode, Edo state, in a family including six sisters.
Education
Dokpesi began his education at Loyola College in Ibadan. He enrolled at the Immaculate Conception College (ICC) in Benin City.
He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Benin Edo State and his Doctorate in Marine Engineering at the University of Gdansk in Poland. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur paid for his education from secondary school to university.
Career
Dokpesi began her career as the personal assistant to Alhaji Bamaga Tukur, one of the Nigerian Ports Authority’s general managers. Dokpesi also worked for Alhaji Umaru Dikko and General Garba Wushishi at the Federal Ministry of Transport.
Africa Ocean Lines
Africa Ocean Lines, one of Dokpesi’s first businesses, was Africa’s first indigenous shipping company, founded in the 1980s. Although the company lasted only a short time, it made an impact on the Nigerian shipping industry by helping to write the Nigerian Shipping Act Decree 1986, which established the formula 40:20:20 for cargo sharing between developed and developing countries.
DAAR Communications
RayPower, Nigeria’s first private FM radio station, was created by Dokpesi in 1994. He founded Africa Independent Television two years later.
Expansion in the United States and Europe
Africa Independent Television began broadcasting in the United States on 20 September 2003. AIT is currently received on the Hotbird satellite across the United States, Mexico, the CaribbEurope-wide, and African countries rich.
Politics
Dokpesi was also involved in politics. One of his earliest political jobs was as a campaign manager for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, elected to the then-Gongola state government house.
He also served in the same capacity during Alhaji Adamu Ciroma’s and Tukur’s presidential campaigns in 1993 and Peter Odili’s presidential campaign. Dokpesi was a member of the South-South People Assembly (SSPA). This group works to promote Nigeria’s South-South people. Dokpesi ran for the PDP National Chairmanship in 2017 but lost to Uche Secondus.
Personal Life, Illness, and Death
Dokpesi and his family members were admitted to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital in 2020 after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Dokpesi and two grandchildren were released on 14 May 2020 after testing negative for COVID-19 remnants.
However, Dokpesi’s son Raymond Jr. and other Raymond Dokpesi family members were still receiving therapy at the time of his release. Dokpesi passed away after a stroke on 29 May 2023 at 71.
Abuja Car Bombing
Dokpesi was detained on 4 October 2010 for his alleged involvement in the Abuja car bombings. He was released after nine hours in captivity. He later filed a lawsuit against the country’s secret police for alleged unjust confinement.
Mismanagement of Nigeria
On 11 November 2015, Dokpesi, on behalf of the PDP party, made a public apology due to the mismanagement of Nigeria under the PDP government.
“Make no mistake, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way. We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made; we did not meet the expectations of Nigerians. We tender an apology. But the past is exactly what it is. We call on all party faithful, supporters, and sympathizers to partner with us going forward.”
Dokpesi also criticized the PDP for fielding Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP’s presidential candidate in the March 2015 elections.
Money-laundering And Corruption Criminal Charges
Dokpesi and his firm, Daar Holding and Investment Limited, were charged in a 2.1 billion USD money laundering scam in the Federal High Court in Abuja on 9 December 2015.
The FG claimed the funds were budgeted for weapons procurement for the Nigerian military to fight Boko Haram militants. Still, they were confirmed diverted to Dokpesi’s Daar Holding and Investment Limited for the 2015 Nigerian presidential election in favor of President Goodluck Jonathan by Sambo Dasuki, the then National Security Advisor.
Awards
His hometown conferred two chieftaincy titles upon him, which are only bestowed on worthy sons.
Dokpesi was mentioned during the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award ceremony in Accra.
Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice Geneva, Switzerland, for his work with DAAR Communications.
Age(late)
He died on 29 May 2023 (aged 71)
Net Worth
Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi became one of Nigeria’s most influential and wealthiest businessmen, with a net worth of $50 million.
People Also Asked For FAQs
What happened to Raymond Dokpesi?
Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, died on Monday after a fall while using a treadmill machine, a statement by DAAR Communications has said.
Who is the owner of AIT?
Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi was the Founder of the African Independent Television (AIT), Raymond Dokpesi has died. His demise was announced by his son Raymond Dokpesi jnr, who disclosed in a statement that the DAAR Communications’ chairman died on Monday, May 29, 2023.
How old is Raymond Dokpesi?
He was 71 years before he died.
Where is Raymond Dokpesi from?
Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi (25 October 1951 – 29 May 2023) was a Nigerian media businessman. His parents were from Agenebode, Edo state in a family including six sisters.
