Raymond Dokpesi Biography
Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, businessman, and politician. He is the founder and former chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, the first private broadcasting company in Nigeria. He is also the founder of the African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower FM.
Raymond Dokpesi Date Of Birth
Dokpesi was born on October 25, 1951, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He is a native of Agenebode, Edo State. He attended Ebenezer African Church School for his primary school education. Afterwards, he proceeded to Loyola College, Ibadan and, Immaculate Conception College (ICC) Benin City.
Raymond Dokpesi Education
After graduating from high school, Dokpesi went on to study at the University of Gdańsk in Poland, where he earned a degree in maritime law. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Lagos.
Raymond Dokpesi Career
After completing his studies, Dokpesi worked as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Transport. He later founded his own company, DAAR Communications Plc, in 1988. DAAR Communications is the parent company of AIT and Raypower FM.
AIT is the first private television station in Nigeria. It was launched in 1993 and quickly became one of the most popular television stations in the country. AIT broadcasts in English, Yoruba, and Hausa.
Raypower FM is the first private radio station in Nigeria. It was launched in 1995 and quickly became one of the most popular radio stations in the country. Raypower FM broadcasts in English, Yoruba, and Hausa.
Dokpesi is also a politician. He was the campaign manager for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 1999 presidential election. He was also the chairman of the PDP National Conference in 2015.
Dokpesi has been accused of corruption on several occasions. In 2005, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of money laundering. He was later released on bail.
In 2016, Dokpesi was arrested again by the EFCC on charges of corruption. He was accused of using his company, DAAR Communications Plc, to receive N2.1 billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) without due process.
Dokpesi was arraigned in court on the charges in 2017. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The trial is still ongoing.
Dokpesi is a controversial figure. He has been praised for his role in the development of the Nigerian media industry. However, he has also been criticized for his alleged involvement in corruption.
