Delta Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed sadness on the passing of media mogul and founder of DAAR Communications Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Oborevwori condoled with the family of the deceased, who he described as a consummate leader and elder statesman of repute.
He said Dokpesi’s death was a huge loss to the media industry and the entire nation, especially at this period in our fledgling democracy.
Oborevwori remarked that Dokpesi’s pioneering role in Nigeria’s broadcast industry was inspiring and would be missed by those whose lives he touched in various ways.
He said the late septuagenarian was an outstanding patriot, a detribalized Nigerian, and doyen of private broadcast media in Nigeria, with his founding of RayPower Radio in 1994 and Africa Independent Television, AIT, in 1996.
“It is with great sadness that I, my family, the government, and the people of Delta commiserate with the management of DAAR Communications Plc, the Dokpesi family of Agenebode in Edo State on the passing of a septuagenarian and elder statesman, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi.
The governor urged the media and the entire Dokpesi family to be consoled by the legacies left behind by the elder statesman.
He assured them of the support and prayers of his family, the people, and the government of Delta during this trying period.
“His death remains a great loss not just to his family but to the entire nation given his role as a successful media entrepreneur, businessman, and exceptional statesman.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the entire nation that the soul of the deceased rest peacefully and may God grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear his demise,” he said.
In another development, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated former Presidential Liasion Adviser, Dr. Esther Uduehi, as she clocks 76 years.
Uduehi, an illustrious Deltan from Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state is an educationist, administrator, and retired Permanent Secretary.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Festus Ahon, in Asaba, the governor lauded Uduehi for her tremendous contributions to nation-building.
He said that Uduehi had made remarkable contributions to the development of Nigeria, especially as a one-time Local Government Council Chairman, retired permanent secretary in the defunct Bendel State Civil Service, and Presidential Liasion Adviser House of Representatives during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Oborevwori described Uduehi, a Rhodes scholar as a role model and women advocate who participated in various world conferences seeking to make life better for women across the world.
“As a member of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ukwuani Local Government Area, you have continued to render indelible service to our state and country.
“It is on record that you distinguished yourself as an astute public administrator and leader of immense repute and we remain very proud of your sterling accomplishments in life.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Delta, I congratulate you, Dr. Esther Uduehi on the occasion of your 76th birth anniversary.
“I join your family, political associates, friends, and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by robustly sterling accomplishments and abounding fulfillment.
“As you celebrate this anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with good health and more years of happiness and contributions to nation-building, Oboriwori maintained.
