Uzodimma proposes national media centre to honour Dokpesi

L-R: Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, His Eminence, John Onaiyekan; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku at the 3rd Raymond Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja on Sunday. Photo Credit: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Sunday proposed the establishment of a national media centre in honour of the late media entrepreneur, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, to promote research into the role of journalism in economic growth and national development.

Uzodimma said the centre would serve as a hub for research on how the media could be better positioned to promote development journalism, strengthen democratic institutions and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.

The governor, who pledged to lead the campaign for the establishment of the centre, made the proposal on Sunday while delivering the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja.

The lecture, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and DAAR Communications Plc, was titled Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development.

Uzodimma said the proposed centre would be a fitting tribute to Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, whose establishment of Africa Independent Television and RayPower FM helped expand private broadcasting in Nigeria.

He said, “I think that as his friends and associates we should take the lead by building a national media centre in his honour. The centre will be a hub for research on the media and how it can be properly channelled for economic development, or, put simply, for development journalism.

“I shall be prepared to lead in the campaign for the establishment of this centre.”

The governor argued that the best way to preserve Dokpesi’s legacy was not merely to commemorate his contributions but to protect media freedom and ensure that journalism remained credible and accountable to the public.

“Our democracy will be better served when the media can pursue the truth without intimidation, when government accepts the discipline of scrutiny, and when the institutions of accountability respond to what is established,” he said.

Uzodimma described the relationship between the media, democracy and development as inseparable, arguing that credible journalism was essential to holding public officials accountable, informing voters and ensuring that public resources were properly utilised.

He said citizens could not exercise their democratic rights effectively if they were denied reliable information about the activities of those governing them.

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According to him, the media must continue to investigate public expenditure, expose corruption, highlight institutional failures and provide platforms for citizens to question government policies and decisions.

He, however, warned that media freedom alone was insufficient to guarantee responsible journalism, noting that ownership interests, financial pressures, political affiliations and the pursuit of online traffic could undermine editorial independence.

On Nigeria’s broadcasting history, Uzodimma said Dokpesi helped widen the country’s media space at a time when broadcasting was largely dominated by government-owned organisations.

RayPower 100.5 FM began commercial broadcasting on September 1, 1994, while AIT followed in December 1996, creating additional platforms for news, political discussion and public participation during military rule.

The governor said the expansion of private broadcasting helped diversify public discourse before Nigeria returned to civilian rule in 1999.

Earlier in his speech, the son of the late media mogul and Board Chairman of DAAR Communications, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, said the theme reflected the vision behind his father’s legacy, adding that Dokpesi believed a free and courageous media was essential to democratic governance and national development.

He said, “This series was established not merely to look back, but to look forward; not just to reminisce or mourn a vacuum, but to seize the moment to build upon his legacy and begin a national conversation.

“The theme summarises the purpose of my father’s life’s work. He did not enter broadcasting simply to run a business. He entered it to spark a revolution. He understood, long before many, that democracy cannot take root, and development cannot occur, without a free, vibrant and courageous media.

“When he founded Raypower FM and Africa Independent Television, Nigeria was navigating a delicate, turbulent path toward democratic rule. He believed a lasting democracy needed a people with a voice: people who could see themselves, hear themselves and hold themselves as well as their leaders accountable.”

Dokpesi Jnr said the media landscape had changed significantly since his father’s pioneering efforts, with digital platforms, social media and artificial intelligence transforming how information was produced and disseminated.

He, however, warned that the spread of fake news and divisive narratives had increased the responsibilities of established media organisations and public relations professionals.A