Raymond Dokpesi is a well-known businessman and media mogul from Nigeria. He was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria on October 25, 1951, and is originally from Agenebode, Edo State. Dokpesi is most known for founding and leading Daar Communications PLC, a media conglomerate that owns and manages several numbers of Nigerian television and radio stations.
Raymond Dokpesi Biography & Profile Summary
| Name | Raymond Dokpesi |
| Born | 25 October 1951 (age 71) |
| Died | May 29, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Ibadan, Oyo State |
| Political party | People’s Democratic Party |
| Alma mater | University of Gdańsk |
| Website | raymonddokpesi.com |
Raymond Dokpesi Age
He was 71 years old at the time he died
Raymond Dokpesi Education & Early Career
Dokpesi attended Loyola College in Ibadan for his basic and secondary studies. He pursued his education at Immaculate Conception College (ICC) in Benin City, where he even created a dance/drama group.
Dokpesi graduated from the University of Benin in Edo State with a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering and a master’s degree in marine engineering from the University of Gdansk in Poland. Notably, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur provided financial support for his studies, displaying his confidence in his ability.
Dokpesi’s career in the Nigerian media environment was marked by his insight. He established DAAR Communications, which grew to be a prominent player in the mass media sector.
He founded Africa Independent Television (AIT), Nigeria’s first private television network, under its auspices. This endeavor altered the media landscape of the country.
Dokpesi’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond broadcasting. Raypower FM, Nigeria’s first privately owned radio station, and the Nigerian Compass newspaper were both founded by him.
In addition to his media activities, Dokpesi was involved in Nigerian politics. He was a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) activist who held several positions within the party.
The AIT and Daar Communications Plc
Daar Communications Plc, a media conglomerate formed by Raymond Dokpesi in 1989, has grown to become one of Nigeria’s top media businesses. Daar Communications owns the Africa Independent Television (AIT) network, one of Nigeria’s biggest private television channels. AIT is well-known for providing comprehensive news coverage, engaging programming, and thought-provoking documentaries.
Raymond Dokpesi Family
Raymond Dokpesi is a family man, and his family has always been important to him. He is married to Angela Dokpesi, with whom he has several children.
Raymond Dokpesi’s children have earned their own names in various fields, carrying on the family tradition of achievement.
Raymond Dokpesi Children
Raymond has grown children, one of them is famous: Regina Dokpesi. Regina serves as an on-air personality for DAAR Communications Plc, her father’s media company.
Raymond Dokpesi Wives
- Tosin Dokpesi
- Precious Dokpesi
Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, has faced a variety of personal challenges. Due to internal family disagreements, he made the mistake of joining polygamy, which he now considers to be one of his greatest regrets in life.
Dokpesi had previously married various women, and his second marriage was the result of familial issues. He acknowledges that, as a devout Catholic, he did not want polygamy but was compelled to accept it owing to circumstances.
Dokpesi cherishes his first wife, a Polish immigrant, despite his problematic marital status. He had hoped to be with her for the rest of his life. They were physically separated, though, because she was the sole child of her parents in Poland.
Raymond Dokpesi Philanthropy
Raymond Dokpesi has built community schools and provided scholarships to prospective students to attend tertiary institutions.
Raymond Dokpesi Criticism and controversy
Dokpesi was arrested on October 4, 2010, for his alleged involvement in an Abuja car bombing. He was released after nine hours in detention and later filed a lawsuit against the country’s secret police for alleged wrongful imprisonment.
On 11 November 2015, Dokpesi issued a public apology on behalf of the PDP party for the mismanagement of Nigeria under the PDP governments.
Make no mistake, the PDP is well aware that mistakes were made along the way.” We admit that we made mistakes in the past and did not live up to Nigerians’ expectations at times. We sincerely apologize. But that is exactly what the past is. We urge all party members, supporters, and sympathizers to work with us in the future.
He also chastised the PDP for nominating Jonathan Goodluck as its presidential candidate in the March 2015 elections.
Raymond Dokpesi – Health Challenges and COVID-19 Survival
Raymond Dokpesi has recently faced health issues that have had an impact on both his personal life and his career. He had a stroke in 2017, which necessitated extensive medical care and rehabilitation. He did, however, show tenacity and determination in his recovery.
Dokpesi and some members of his family tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020. Despite the severity of the virus, he survived and used his experience to raise awareness about the pandemic’s impact.
Raymond Dokpesi Cause of Death
According to family members, Dokpesi died while being treated at a hospital in Abuja. He had a stroke after fasting during Ramadan and was recovering.
During a routine gym session, he was electrocuted while using the equipment, resulting in a stroke and, sadly, his death.
Raymond Dokpesi Net Worth
Raymond Dokpesi’s contributions to the media industry, as well as his entrepreneurial ventures, catapulted him to financial success. He emerged as one of Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthy businessmen, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
