Raymond Dokpesi

1. Community
2. Local Government
3. State Government
4. Federal Government
5. Private Sector

COMMUNITY

Upon the deregulation of the broadcast sector in 1993, DAAR Communications plc (then DAAR Communications limited). Applied for broadcast license which was granted by the Federal Government through the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

There was skepticism about the sincerity of the Government but High Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s patriotic zeal being the guiding spirit and the motivating factor, integrated all the equipment and the facilities and thus on the 1st of September 1994, High Chief Dokpesi blazed the trail and pioneered the first Independent Radio Station in the Federal Republic of Nigeria - RayPower 100.5FM in Lagos.

The station is located in Alagbado Community in llapo village in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos.

ALAGBADO COMMUNITY - LAGOS

In 1993 when the integration of the broadcast facilities and the structures of the studio and office complex of RayPower were under construction in Alagbado, the only structure in the entire community that spanned over 1000m2 was the RayPower building.

There were no access roads. It was an entirely busy landmass. Journey to the station on daily basis was a nightmare to put it succinctly. The advent of RayPower brought remarkable development to a hitherto rural community.

High Chief Dokpesi had to construct a road leading to the station. Electricity was provided through a privately operated generating set, which the community, also took advantage of. In addition, pipe-borne water was equally for the inhabitants of the area through a borehole.

In a period of 5 years, the entire socio-economic lives of the rural Alagbado Community was transformed through:

 Construction of Road (This was modernized by the Administration of Col. Buba Marwa)
 Provision of electricity from Generating sets to Public Power Supply at about N50 million for Transformer, Cables Electric Poles etc which was funded by High Chief Dokpesi
 Provision of pipe borne

 Employment opportunities (20% for the Catchments Area)
 Economic Development of the Community (through multiplier effect)
 Financial Assistance to the Handicapped, Indigent, Students, Medical Funds
 Sponsorship of Community Activities/Sporting Events

The location of High Chief Dokpesi’s company in Alagbado, the border community between Lagos and Ogun State has had remarkable and significant impact on the two states.

In acknowledgement and appreciation of the contribution of High Chief Dokpesi to the socio-economic development of the entire Alagbado Community, in 1988, the council of Chiefs conferred him with a Chieftaincy title - THE AARE OF ALAGBADO. Also the Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Council of Chiefs, the Community Development Association (CDA) and the various stakeholders, named the 4 kilometer stretch of road from Lagos/Abeokuta Express Road to DAAR Communications Plc Complex - AIT Road
From the home stead, in recognition of High Chief Dokpesi’s contribution to the humanity generally, he was conferred with the Chieftaincy title of EZOMO OF Weppa Wanno Land in Agenebode Area of Edo State. By the title, he is the third in rank in the Council of Chiefs in Etsako Local Government Area in Edo State.

KPADUMA HILL - ABUJA

In line with the Federal Government’s policy of making Abuja - the Capital of Nigeria, the home of all that represents the Nigerian nation, High Chief Dokpesi moved the corporate Headquarters of DAAR Communications Plc to Abuja.

From Labour House after the fire incident of 2001, the station relocated to Kpaduma Hill Top, which at the beginning was a forest. Today, Kpaduma Hill in Asokoro Area of Abuja is a choice area. Exactly the same impact that DAAR Communication Plc locations manifested in Lagos is replicated in Kpaduma Hill Top.

In appreciation of High Chief Dokpesi role in the remarkable transformation of the Community, he was conferred the Chieftaincy title of the SARDAUNA OF KPADUMA in 2002 by the Council of Chiefs/Elders of the Community.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
In addition to all the transformations highlighted above, the various Local Government Authorities in the Communities where High Chief Dokpesi’s company/stations - DAAR Communications Plc are located (Ref 1.0 above), earn greater revenue from

1. Greater Economic Activities
2. Taxes
3. Improved Infrastructural Development
4. Better condition and standard of living through economic activities of the entire Community.

STATE GOVERNMENT

High Chief Dokpesi’s Company/stations are located in the six geo-political zones of the country: Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Enugu and others.

Apart from serving as the basic sources of information and entertainment which has remarkable and transformational impact on the entire citizenry of the states, the various states Government have benefited significantly through:

1. Educated and enlightened citizens
2. Improved revenue through taxes, levies
3. Socio-cultural and economic transformation
4. Improved and better infrastructural amenities
5. Employment Opportunities

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

i. Member - Presidential Committee on long term
Measure to solve piracy and security
Problems in Nigeria. Sea Ports and
Territorial water (1981)
ii. Member - Chief of Defence Staff, Board of Boarders &
Harbour Security force (1982)
iii. Member - Shipping Policy Implementation Committee
(1985)
iv. Member - Committee on the commercialization of
Nigeria Ports plc (1987)