Dokpesi: Uzodimma makes particular demand in honour of late media sage

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has proposed the institution of a nationwide media analysis centre in honour of the late founding father of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, to strengthen journalism’s contribution to financial growth and democratic governance.

Uzodimma made the proposal on Sunday whereas delivering the third annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc in reminiscence of the late media entrepreneur.

The lecture, themed “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development,” targeted on the function of the media in strengthening democracy, selling accountability and advancing nationwide growth.

The governor mentioned the proposed centre would function a hub for analysis into how journalism could possibly be harnessed to assist financial progress and growth by means of growth journalism.

He additionally pledged to steer a marketing campaign for the institution of the centre, describing it as a long-lasting approach to protect Dokpesi’s legacy and strengthen the media business.

“This memorial lecture is a good starting point. But we must go far above that. The best tribute we can pay to his memory is to protect that freedom and ensure that the journalism practised within it remains worthy of public trust,” Uzodimma mentioned.

He added that associates and associates of the late broadcaster ought to take the lead in turning the proposal into actuality.

“But I think that as his friends and associates we should take the lead by building a national media centre in his honour. The centre will be a hub for research on the media and how it can be properly channelled for economic development, or, put simply, for development journalism. I shall be prepared to lead in the campaign for the establishment of this centre,” he mentioned.

Uzodimma requires media freedom, accountability

The governor additionally harassed the significance of press freedom and accountable journalism in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy, saying the media should be capable to scrutinise public officers with out intimidation.

According to him, democratic establishments would perform extra successfully when journalists may examine points freely, governments accepted public scrutiny and accountability mechanisms responded to established details.

“Our democracy will be better served when the media can pursue the truth without intimidation, when government accepts the discipline of scrutiny, and when the institutions of accountability respond to what is established,” he mentioned.

Uzodimma maintained that the proposed centre would assist strengthen the connection between journalism, democratic governance and nationwide growth by supporting analysis into the media’s function in society.

The initiative, if established, would supply a platform for analyzing how media protection and public communication may contribute to financial progress whereas preserving skilled requirements and public belief.

Dokpesi’s contribution to Nigerian broadcasting

Dokpesi, who died in May 2023 on the age of 71, was a media entrepreneur broadly recognised for his function within the growth of personal broadcasting in Nigeria.

He based DAAR Communications Plc, the media organisation behind RayPower FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT), following the deregulation of the nation’s broadcasting business in 1992.

RayPower started industrial broadcasting in Lagos on September 1, 1994, changing into Nigeria’s first non-public radio station and serving to broaden the nation’s broadcasting panorama.

Two years later, on December 6, 1996, Dokpesi launched AIT, which supplied an extra platform for information, leisure, public affairs and regionally produced tv programmes.

Through the 2 shops, he helped create alternatives for entertainers, music producers, journalists and programme makers who had confronted restricted entry to established broadcasting platforms.

AIT turned a big outlet for Nigerian tv productions, whereas RayPower contributed to the expansion of latest music and leisure broadcasting.

Dokpesi’s contribution to the business prolonged past establishing media organisations, as his investments helped widen entry to privately owned radio and tv companies.

His demise was introduced by his household on May 29, 2023. Reports on the time mentioned he died in Abuja after collapsing whereas exercising on a treadmill as he recovered from an earlier sickness.

The proposed nationwide media analysis centre would search to increase his legacy by supporting analysis, skilled growth and discussions on the contribution of journalism to accountability and nationwide progress.

NIPR praises Dokpesi’s legacy

Speaking on the lecture, NIPR National President Ike Neliaku recommended Dokpesi for his contributions to the media business, significantly his dedication to press freedom.

Neliaku mentioned the annual Diamond Lecture was designed to have a good time the late broadcaster’s achievements and protect his legacy for future generations.

He additionally introduced the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum, scheduled to happen in Abuja, saying the occasion would deliver collectively individuals from 126 nations.

The NIPR president mentioned preparations for the worldwide gathering had been concluded and the institute was able to host individuals from internationally.

Uzodimma’s proposal provides a brand new dimension to efforts to commemorate Dokpesi, with the proposed centre anticipated to concentrate on analysis into how journalism can assist financial growth, strengthen democratic establishments and promote accountability.

However, the proposal stays a pledge to marketing campaign for the centre’s institution; particulars of its funding, location, governance and graduation weren’t supplied within the announcement.