The virtues of the late chairman and founder of Daar communication, Raymond Dokpesi, came alive as governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, and his deputy Omobayo Marvellous, extol his legacy at the one-year anniversary of the late media mogul’s death.
Other personalities at the anniversary include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Asue Ighodalo,
Hon Benedict Attoh, the chairman of Etsako East local government area, and Hon Moses Agbukor, a religious leader. They converged on Dokpesi’s home in Agenebode to mark the first anniversary of his death.
Obaseki paid tribute to the late icon and described him as a national leader and father figure who dedicated his life to serving humanity through his unmatchable contribution to building a better and more just society with commendable wisdom.
“Regardless of his social status, Dokpesi had always shown humility by being willing to hear the average person’s concerns. His influence as a father figure transcended political, religious, and ethnic boundaries, and he gave voice to the voiceless,” he said.
Attoh represented the governor at the unveiling of Dokpesi’s mausoleum at his Agenebode residence.
He said the late leader was development-minded and a national leader who brought honour and dignity to both Nigeria and Africa by the establishment of the Africa Independent Televisions (AIT), which employed thousands of Nigerians, saying that he is no longer physically present, “but his legacy will always be with us.”
“As a government, we shall never stop honouring him for his contributions and his leadership throughout the state and nation,” he said.
The council boss also kicked off the weeklong game and noted that the tournament has helped to bridge the gap in community reunion by bringing under-18 girls and boys from the state’s 18 local governments to Raymond Dokpesi’s hometown for one week at the St. Peters Grammar School football field in Agenebode.
“The death of our father has unified us because football has no political party or religion; these were the ideals of oneness and togetherness that Chief Raymond Dokpesi stood for and was known for, both in words and actions.”