Congratulations! I’m part of this historic moment of the 30th anniversary of the DAAR Communication Group owners of African Independent Television and Ray Power.
I became part of the family shortly after its establishment in 1994 because of the proscription of Concord Press of Nigeria where I was a political correspondent.
I was absorbed as a reporter assigned to cover Police Affairs and charged with producing Charge Room with Bisi Oke as my presenter. It was fun working with all the beautiful souls that made up the vibrant newsroom marshalled by the late DNCA, who rose to be CEO, the enigmatic Ladi Lawal ably supported by Tony Akhiotu on Kelly Elisha.
Upon Concord Newspapers’ reopening at the end of 1995, I returned to the newspaper as a Research Assistant on the Editorial Board to continue my print journalism career.
In 2003, I was back in the DAAR Family with a full appointment as a news editor working with 106.5fm.
It was a continuation of my spell working under the direct supervision of Odion Bello with Rev. Funke Alli as GM until 106.5fm was temporarily shut and I returned to 100.5 to begin jolly with the Mike’s, Seuns, Winston etc.
In 2005, I relocated to VON as a Senior Editor and subsequently a special assistant to the Director-General.
Those two career interludes remain indelible in my memory as the primary orientation of my foray into broadcasting.
I thank and pray for late Ladi Lawal, baba nla. He’s unforgettable. The Visionary and founder of DAAR Group, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi will ever be remembered for his vision, doggedness, and enthusiasm. His inspiration and risk-taking ability remain shining and endearing.
By all ramifications and in all parameters, he was youthful when he launched into the uncharted course of private broadcasting.
Dokpesi of blessed memory deserves our special prayer at this moment. He is unforgettable. He created an empire from a virgin land. He is an inspiration in Broadcasting. He is an uncommon pacesetter. We owe him a wealth and debt of gratitude
Almost 20 years after I exited Raypower, it’s still like yesterday for me. Those brief interludes from 1994 to 1995 and 2003 to 2005, roughly five years are very indelible and crucial in my existence. They were years of remarkable lifelines in trying times.
Alhamdulillah, despite the odds, DAAR is surviving and thriving. It’s grown to be a mighty, sheltering oak. It’s a national legacy of an individual inspiration. All who find DAAR Group a comfortable Forte and a lifeline of existence, whether in the past or present must keep the dream alive.
