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Category: News

  • Atiku, Murray-Bruce, Momodu, others mourn Dokpesi

    Some politicians and celebrities have described the death of Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman, DAAR Communications and founder of AIT and Ray Power FM, as a great loss to the media industry.

    Dokpesi reportedly died at the age of 71 in Abuja on Monday.

    A former federal lawmaker, Sen. Shehu Sani, on Twitter, expressed shock at the news of the death of the media icon.

    “I received the shocking news of the demise of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi. He was a detribalised Nigerian and a patriot who has made a tremendous contribution to the struggle, restoration and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

    “He raised the bar in professional broadcasting and was a champion of press freedom. He fought many political battles in the pursuit of justice and freedom. Dokpesi was an institution and his life an inspiration. Life is transient. May his soul rest in Peace. Amin,” he said.

    Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on his Twitter account wrote,  “I am in a state of shock! As we say in Islam: from God, we came, and to Him, we return.

    “I am in prayers and will continue in prayers! My everlasting and deepest condolences to the Raymond Dokpesi family. May God forgive his sins and grant him eternal rest. Ezemo, not on a date like this should you leave us! -AA.”

    Media mogul, Dele Momodu, also shared a condolence message on his Instagram page mourning the death of Dokpesi.

    “This is too sad to bear. Our media IROKO is gone… Good night High Chief Dr Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi. May your great soul Rest In Peace,” he said.

    Nigerian politician, Ben Murray-Bruce, mourning the media icon on his Twitter page said, “Chief Dokpesi left an indelible mark on the world of media and broadcasting.

    “It is with a profound sense of sorrow that I learned of the passing of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, a monumental figure whose influence and contribution to society will never be forgotten.

    “Chief Dokpesi left an indelible mark on the world of media and broadcasting, instilling a standard of excellence and professionalism that remains unparalleled. His tireless efforts to foster unity and promote progress will always be remembered and appreciated.

    “While we mourn this immense loss, we also celebrate a life of purpose and impact. My deepest condolences to the Dokpesi family—our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

    “We hope that you find solace in the knowledge that Chief Dokpesi’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

    Nigerian singer, Eedris Abdulkareem, on his Instagram page prayed that God comfort  the family and that the soul of Dokpesi rest in peace.

    “My condolences to the family of Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.

    “I am thinking of you and your family and sending caring thoughts your way, may the lord rest the soul of Chief and grant him eternal rest Amen,” he said.

    A visit to AIT office at Kola, in Alagbado area of Lagos State, revealed a sombre environment.

    The security personnel on duty refused visitors into the premises, saying “There are no officials or staff to attend to any interviews but you can come back tomorrow.” 

  • Jonathan condoles with late Raymond Dokpesi’s family

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan with some DAAR Communications staff

    Former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Monday evening, visited the family of late media mogul, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi who passed on earlier today.

    The family of the late businessman had in a statement confirmed his passing, saying that: “High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

    “High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community.

    “His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.”

    In a tweet, the former president conveyed his condolences to the family over the shock passing, saying that he was a team player and bridge builder who would be missed by all.

    “This evening, I paid a condolence visit to the family of Engr. Raymond Dokpesi to convey my condolences on the shocking passing of the accomplished entrepreneur, media mogul and renowned humanitarian who died on Monday in Abuja.

    “He was a successful businessman and philanthropist who took the art of giving and human relations to a new level.

    “As a patriot and politician, he exemplified the virtues of loyalty, justice, and service. A team player and bridge builder, High Chief Dokpesi played the kind of politics that promoted friendship, ethnic cohesion, and national unity.

    “He will be remembered for his works of charity, devotion to his faith, and inspiring leadership, especially serving as a trailblazer who pioneered private broadcasting and played a major role in advancing media freedom in Nigeria,” Jonathan said.

  • Group sues Uni-Agric Makurdi over illegal appointment of Bursar

    A civil society organisation, Save Nigeria Movement has dragged the Governing Council of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, to court over illegal bursar appointment.

    The Plaintiff, in a suit filed by its Counsel, Barr T. Sorkaa, described the appointment as illegal, and asked the court to stop Mr Ortese Tyoule Simon, from assuming the vacant position of bursar in the institution.

    The group had in the court processes with suit number FHC/MKD/CS/28/2023, said Simon was not qualified for the appointment.

    He prayed the court for an order restraining the defendants in the matter from allowing Simon, who is the 6th defendants in the matter from assuming office.

    Apart from the Governing Council and Simon, other defendants in the matter are the minister of education, minister of agriculture, 

    Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and the registrar and secretary, governing Council, Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi 

    In the suit, the Plaintiff prayed for the following orders: an order of Interlocutory Injunction of this Honourable Court restraining the 1st to 5th Defendants, Respondents (minister of education, minister of agriculture, 

    Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, and the registrar and secretary, governing Council, Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi)

    from allowing the 6th Defendant/Respondent, (Simon) a Deputy Director, Audit Unit, to assume as  Bursar, Joseph University, Makurdi in contradiction of the Financial Regulations, No. 1709 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2009. 

    SNM also prayed the court to determine Whether or not upon a dispassionate and compound construction of the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, Federat Universities of Agriculture (Amendment) Act, 2019, Financial Regulations, No. 1709 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2009 and other relevant Statutes, the requirements for appointment into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi which was at least five (5) years experience as a Deputy Bursar was followed by the Selection Board for the appointment by the Governing Council, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi of the 6″ Defendant, a Deputy Director, Audit Unit, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. 

    In the suit, the plaintiff also.prayed the court for the following reliefs: A declaration that the 6th Defendant, a Deputy Director, Audit Unit, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi was not qualified for appointment by the Governing Council, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. A DECLARATION that the Selection Board did not follow the requirements of at least five (5) years experience as a Deputy Bursar in its recommendations to the Governing Council, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, the appointment of the 6th Defendant into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. 

    A declaration that the appointment by the Governing Council, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi of 6th Defendant, a Deputy Director, Audit Unit, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi contradicted 2004, Federal Universities of Agnculture (Amendment) Act, 2019, Finanoal Reguiabons, No. 1709 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2009 and other relevant Statutes by this Honourable Court as to the appointment and Qualification of the 6” Defendant into the vacant positon of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, 

    The group said only the declarations and orders of this Honourable Court can resolve the issue of the requirements or qualifications for the appointment of the 6″ Defendant into the vacant position of Bursar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. 

  • Mammoth crowd receive Buhari in Daura

    Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned home to Daura in Katsina State after serving eight years as President of Nigeria.

    Buhari, his wife Aisha and his children, arrived Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport via a Nigerian Air Force aircraft at about 1:30pm.

    He was accompanied by former Ministers of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, that of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, and his Spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu, among others.

    The former President was received by the newly inaugurated Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar-Radda and his deputy, Alhaji Faruk Lawal.

    Buhari was later conveyed to Daura in a helicopter at about 2:20pm and was received by a tumultuous crowd led by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar.

    The Daura Emirate Council will hold a grand durbar on Tuesday to welcome Buhari back home.

  • Founder of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi is dead

    Founder of DAAR Communications and African Independent Television (AIT) Raymond Dokpesi is dead.

    Dokpesi died on Monday, May 29 2023, his son Raymond Dokpesi jnr said in a statement.

    “High Chief Dokpesi was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” Dokpesi said.

    “High Chief Dokpesi was also a respected and accomplished businessman, a pioneer in the media industry, and a philanthropist who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community. His legacy will live on through the impact he made on the lives of many.”

    According to him, the family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during their difficult time.

    “We ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of our patriarch. We also ask for privacy during this time as we grieve together as a family,” Dokpesi said.

    “The family will release further details on the funeral arrangements in due course,” he added.

  • We’ll defend Nigeria from terror, criminality – Tinubu

    We’ll defend Nigeria from terror, criminality – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu has promised to defend Nigeria from terror and all forms of criminality threatening the peace and stability of the country and the sub-region.

    Tinubu said this in his inaugural address after he was sworn in as the 16th democratically elected president of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that security shall be the top priority of his administration, saying that neither prosperity nor justice could prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

    “To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security Doctrine and its Architecture.

    “We shall invest more in our security personnel, and this means more than an increase in number.

    “We shall provide, better training, equipment, pay and firepower,” he said.

    Tinubu said his mission was to improve the lives of Nigerians in a manner that nurtured humanity, encourage compassion toward one another, and duly rewards collective effort to resolve the social ills that sought to divide the nation.

    “Our constitution and laws give us a nation on paper, saying we must work harder at bringing these noble documents to life by strengthening the bonds of economic collaboration, social cohesion, and cultural understanding,” he said.

    He called for the development of a shared sense of fairness and equity, adding that the South must not only seek good for itself but must understand that its interests were served when good come to the North.

    “The North must see the South likewise.

    “Whether from the winding creeks of the Niger Delta, the vastness of the northern savannah, the boardrooms of Lagos, the bustling capital of Abuja, or the busy markets of Onitsha, you are all my people.

    “As your president, I shall serve with prejudice toward none but compassion and amity towards all.

    “In the coming days and weeks, my team will publicly detail key aspects of our programme,” he said. 

  • I’ll revisit naira redesign policy, says Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu, has promised to revisit the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Tinubu, who said this in his inaugural speech in Abuja on Monday, however, said that his administration would treat both the old and the new naira notes as legal tender.

    He said that the policy was harshly applied by CBN, given the number of unbanked Nigerians.

    “Whatever merits it had in concept, the currency swap was too harshly applied by the CBN,” he said.

    Tinubu said that the country’s monetary policy needed thorough housecleaning.

    He urged the CBN to work toward a unified exchange rate.

    “This will direct funds away from arbitrage into meaningful investment in the plant, equipment, and jobs that power the real economy.
    “The interest rate needs to be reduced to increase investment and consumer purchasing in ways that sustain the economy,” he said.

  • Subsidy is gone, Tinubu declares in inaugural speech

    *Says hope is back for Nigeria

    Nigeria’s new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that his government will not continue with the current fuel subsidy regime, declaring that “Fuel Subsidy is Gone!”

    Tinubu said those seeking redress in court concerning his election are doing so within their constitutional rights and he wishes them well.

    According to the new President, his government is going to concentrate on revamping the economy, and he would work on providing a unified exchange rate for the economy.

    “Subsidy is gone! It can no longer be justified. We shall channel our efforts toward education, infrastructure, and other areas to ameliorate any suffering. We shall work towards a unified exchange rate and meaningful investment.

    More details later…

  • Podium collapses during swearing-in of new Kano Gov

    Podium collapses during swearing-in of new Kano Gov

    *Many were trapped under the collapsed stage

    A podium at the Sani Abacha Stadium where dignitaries were seated during the inauguration of the new Kano State governor, Abba Kabir, has collapsed.

    According to media reports, the podium collapsed shortly after Mr Kabir was sworn in and delivered an inauguration speech.

    He was about to leave the podium to the VIP seats in the stadium when the incident happened and he was sandwiched by security agents, including the police commissioner, Ahmad Gumel.

    The event was cut short as the new governor was unable to supervise the parade due to the throng of supporters at the stadium.

    The crowd of NNPP supporters wearing red caps soon became uncontrollable. They booed and stoned the Emirs of Kano and Bichi, Aminu Bayero, and Nasiru Bayero, who were at the event, with sachets and bottled water.

    The event was concluded as of 11 a.m. but up to the time of filing this report, security agents are still devising means for the safe evacuation of the emirs.

    The Kwankwasiyya followers, as the NNPP supporters are also called, consider the emirs as being sympathetic to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu sworn-in for second term

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat have both been sworn in for their second terms in Lagos State on Monday.

    The oath of office and oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of the State, Kazeem Alogba, at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

    Sanwo-Olu, who was decked in a white Agbada and a purple cap, took the oaths at exactly 11:44 a.m.

    In the 18 March governorship election, Mr Sanwo-Olu was re-elected, having secured a total of 762,134 votes against his main challengers — Olajide ‘Jandor’ Adediran of the PDP who polled 62,449 and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the LP who got 312,329 votes.

    Also present at the venue are the council of traditional chiefs, members of the state house of assembly and other dignitaries.