Oshiomhole Urges Broadcast Media to Emulate Dokpesi in Promoting Free Press and National Unity(Video)

Oshiomhole Urges Broadcast Media to Emulate Dokpesi in Promoting Free Press and National Unity(Video)

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The Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has called on broadcast media practitioners in Nigeria to emulate the late founder of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, by promoting the ideals of free press, professionalism, and national cohesion.

Oshiomhole made the call while delivering his goodwill message at the 2nd Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, held in Abuja under the theme “Communication and Development.” The event, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc, celebrated the enduring contributions of the late Dokpesi to Nigeria’s media and democratic development.

The former Edo State Governor recalled how Dokpesi gave non-state actors, civil society groups, and labour leaders unrestricted access to air their opinions on AIT and RayPower, especially during Nigeria’s most critical political moments. He said:
“In the days of Dokpesi, I had the opportunity as a non-state actor to appear on AIT’s Kakaaki programme to speak for the working people of Nigeria. Dokpesi gave room for all voices to be heard — big or small — and that is the true meaning of independent media.”

Oshiomhole further praised Dokpesi for his courage during the battle against the Third Term Agenda, noting that AIT’s live coverage of the National Assembly debates at the time strengthened Nigeria’s democracy and exposed leaders to real-time public accountability.

He revealed that despite pressure from regulatory bodies and threats to withdraw AIT’s licence, Dokpesi never bowed to intimidation. Instead, he used his platform to foster “internal conversation between Nigerians” without ever running down the nation.

According to the Senator, the late media icon’s commitment to open dialogue helped promote unity and civic enlightenment at a time when Nigeria needed it most. He lamented that some broadcasters today tend to portray the country only through negative lenses, cautioning that such practice undermines national image and pride.

Oshiomhole added: “When you weaken your country’s image, you weaken your own reflection as a citizen. The media must tell our stories with balance and patriotism.”

He also remarked that while Dokpesi was loyal to his political convictions, he maintained fairness by offering platforms to diverse voices, even those opposed to his views. He urged AIT’s current leadership to sustain those values while applying greater business realism to ensure long-term sustainability.

In closing, Senator Oshiomhole commended the NIPR and DAAR Communications Plc for immortalising Dokpesi through the annual lecture, describing it as “a necessary reminder that communication, when used rightly, builds nations, unites people, and sustains democracy.”

From Abuja, this is iReporteronline News.