Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, have paid glowing tributes to the late founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for his remarkable contributions to humanity and media development in Nigeria. The tributes were made during the 2nd Raymond Dokpesi Diamond Lecture organized by the NIPR in Abuja over the weekend.

Governor Sule praised Dokpesi for his courage and innovation, noting that he established Nigeria’s first private radio and television stations during military rule — a period when the media space was tightly controlled by the government. The governor described him as a man of integrity who remained true to his principles, even when many others switched loyalties for personal gain.

He also reflected on the attitude of political figures who abandon former leaders after their tenure, contrasting their behavior with Dokpesi’s loyalty and consistency. “Unlike some who turned against former President Muhammadu Buhari after his tenure, Dokpesi remained steadfast in his beliefs and values,” Sule remarked.

In his address, Dr. Neliaku hailed Dokpesi as a visionary pioneer who transformed the face of communication in Nigeria. He said the late media mogul democratized information, giving a platform to the voiceless and promoting truth in the public sphere.

Neliaku emphasized that Dokpesi’s work aligned closely with the core principles of public relations — service to society through truthful and meaningful communication. “He understood that communication goes beyond broadcasting; it is about building trust, connecting people, and bridging the gap between leaders and citizens,” he said.