Raymond Dokpesi biography, AIT owner, cause of death, net worth, age, wife, children.
Raymond Dokpesi is a well-known Nigerian businessman and media mogul. He was born on October 25, 1951, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and is a native of Agenebode, Edo State. Dokpesi is best known as the founder and chairman of Daar Communications PLC, a media conglomerate that owns and operates a number 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 | Abuja |
| 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.
Raymond Dokpesi Education & Early Career
Dokpesi received his primary and secondary education at Loyola College in Ibadan. He continued his studies at Benin City’s Immaculate Conception College (ICC), where he even founded a dance/drama troupe.
Dokpesi earned a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering from the University of Benin in Edo State and a master’s degree in marine engineering from the University of Gdansk in Poland. Notably, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur supported his education, demonstrating his belief in his abilities.
Dokpesi’s career was defined by his foresight in the Nigerian media landscape. He founded DAAR Communications, which would go on to become a major player in the mass media market.
Under its auspices, he established Africa Independent Television (AIT), Nigeria’s first private television network. This venture transformed the country’s media landscape.
Dokpesi’s entrepreneurial spirit was not limited to broadcasting. He also established Raypower FM, Nigeria’s first privately owned radio station, and the Nigerian Compass newspaper.
Dokpesi was active in Nigerian politics in addition to his media ventures. He was a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) activist who held various positions within the party structure.
The AIT and Daar Communications Plc
Raymond Dokpesi founded Daar Communications Plc in 1989, a media conglomerate that has grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading media organizations. The Africa Independent Television (AIT) network, one of Nigeria’s leading private television stations, is owned by Daar Communications. AIT is known for its extensive news coverage, entertaining programming, and thought-provoking documentaries.
Raymond Dokpesi Family
Raymond Dokpesi is a family man, and his family has played an important role in his life. He is married to Angela Dokpesi, and they have several children together. Raymond Dokpesi’s children have made their own names in their respective fields, carrying on the family legacy of excellence.
Children
Raymond has grown children, one of whom is well-known: Regina Dokpesi. Regina works as an on-air personality for DAAR Communications Plc, a Nigerian media company founded by her father.
Wives
Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, has had a variety of personal experiences and challenges. Due to internal family conflicts, he made the mistake of entering into polygamy, which he now considers to be one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
- Tosin Dokpesi
- Precious Dokpesi
Dokpesi had been married to several women, and his second marriage was the result of family problems. As a devout Catholic, he admits that polygamy was not something he desired but was forced to accept due to circumstances.
Despite his complicated marital situation, Dokpesi adores his first wife, a Polish immigrant. He had hoped to spend the rest of his life with her. They were physically separated, however, because she needed to be with her parents in Poland as their only child.
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.
