Minister Abubakar Momoh Hails Dokpesi’s Legacy, Says Communication Is the Heartbeat of Development

Minister Abubakar Momoh Hails Dokpesi’s Legacy, Says Communication Is the Heartbeat of Development

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The Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh FNSE, has described the late founder of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, as a national trailblazer whose visionary contributions laid the foundation for independent broadcasting in Nigeria.

The Minister made this known while delivering his goodwill message as Guest of Honour at the 2nd Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, held in Abuja under the theme “Communication and Development.”The event was organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc to honour the enduring legacy of the late media icon.

Engr. Momoh noted that Dr. Dokpesi’s pioneering role in establishing RayPower 100.5 FM, Nigeria’s first privately-owned 24-hour radio station, and Africa Independent Television (AIT), Africa’s first satellite TV from Nigeria, forever transformed the nation’s media landscape and gave voice to millions across the continent.

He said: “Dr. Dokpesi was a man who understood that communication is not just about information — it is about inclusion. It is about giving people a voice and linking development with awareness.”

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Regional Development to deepening connectivity across all regions of the country — not only through roads and infrastructure, but through access to information, dialogue, and public awareness that empower citizens to participate in governance.

According to him, “True development begins with connection — of people, voices, and ideas. That is why communication must remain at the heart of our national development strategy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The 2nd Raymond Dokpesi Annual Lecture featured remarks from top dignitaries including Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, and NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku, who all commended Dokpesi’s role in strengthening democracy and giving Nigeria a global media identity.

Engr. Momoh commended the organisers for sustaining the lecture series, describing it as a fitting tribute to a man whose innovations in media continue to inspire new generations of communicators and nation-builders.

From Abuja, this is iReporteronline News.