Raymond Dokpesi second posthumous Legacy Colloquium to hold next week

The second edition of the Posthumous Legacy Colloquium, in honour of late founder of DAAR Communications PLC, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, will take place on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The event will focus on “Democratic Decline: Examining the Challenges, Implications and Future of Democracy in Nigeria.”

In a statement issued by Dr. Alex Adum on behalf of the D-37 organizing group, the colloquium is expected to feature speakers, including Professor Yusuf Usman, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, Dr. Sam Amadi, Comrade Ene Obi, and Dr. Salihu Lukman.

Dokpesi was not only a pioneer of private broadcasting in Nigeria, but a nationalist and committed democrat.

It will be recalled that at about noon on May 29, 2023, the news of the death of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi hit the airwaves and on June 22 of the same year, he was laid to rest at his home town, Agenebode in Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

He has been described as a true democrat who would stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great nation.

“The D-37 holds dear his democratic aspirations and is committed to build upon them. It is our hope that the Nigerian state will learn from his life’s work and build towards the deepening of a viable political culture that unites the country through various informed political engagements and sensitization”, the statement reads.

While reviewing the significance of the theme for this year, the Chairperson of the D-37 Organising Sub- Committee, Amb Nkoyo Toyo alongside the Secretary of D-37, Dr Alex Adum remarked that Late Raymond Dokpesi was not only pioneer in many respects but he helped to shape the political minds of many younger generation opposition leaders.

“He ensured the inclusion of the voices of diverse interests in national debates including those of women, the marginalized and poor in particular.

“D-37 looks forward to a well rounded colloquium which will provide opportunity for presentations, discussions, engagement by the public as well as the rekindling of new interest in the future and viability of democracy in Nigeria”, the statement added.