By Jonathan Ugbal
Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu has mourned the passing of Nigerian entrepreneur and founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi who passed away on Monday in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory aged 71.
Otu, in a statement on his Twitter handle, said he is saddened as it was a blow to Nigeria given the fact that he was an innovator.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
“His loss is an immense blow to Nigeria. My heart goes out to his grieving family, as well as the entire AIT team.
“High Chief Raymond Dokpesi was an innovator in Media, which led to the first private radio. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and associates during this time of mourning,” Otu wrote.
Dokpesi died on Monday after a fall while using a treadmill machine, a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Group Managing Director of DAAR Communications, Tony Akiotu said.
Mr. Dokpesi had been sick for some weeks and was using the treadmill to recover from the undisclosed illness as part of his recuperation.
“The board and management of DAAR Communications PLC wish to inform the general public of the death of our founder, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, of which the sad event occurred today 29th May 2023.
“He had been ill in the last few weeks but was on his way to full recovery. He had a fall off his treadmill during a routine gym exercise.
“Further announcement as regards the burial arrangement will be made by the family,” the statement read.
