The 2025 Communications Week (ComWEEK) Public Lecture, organized by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), served as a significant platform to honor the enduring legacy of the late High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi, a trailblazer in Nigerian media. Held on May 28, 2025, in Abuja, the event seamlessly blended a public lecture with a posthumous award ceremony, reflecting on the pivotal role of media in nation-building and commemorating Dokpesi’s substantial contributions.
Honoring a Media Pioneer
High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, was instrumental in revolutionizing Nigeria’s media landscape. He established Ray Power FM, the country’s first private radio station, and African Independent Television (AIT), the first satellite TV station in Nigeria. His initiatives not only broke governmental monopolies in broadcasting but also championed African and Christian values, setting high standards for journalistic integrity and resisting sensationalism .
In recognition of his invaluable contributions, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) presented a posthumous award to Dokpesi during the ComWEEK event. Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, Secretary-General of the CSN, lauded Dokpesi as a visionary who transformed the Nigerian media industry, emphasizing that his legacy continues to inspire responsible communication practices .
Thematic Focus: Media with Gentleness
The lecture, themed โMedia with Gentleness: A Path to Being Narrators of Hope in a Distressed Nation,โ drew inspiration from Pope Francis’ message for the 2025 World Communication Day. The theme underscored the necessity for empathy, civility, and truthfulness in media reporting, especially amidst Nigeria’s current socio-political challenges. Bishop David Ajang, Chairman of the CBCN Committee on Social Communications, highlighted the Church’s commitment to promoting responsible communication, urging media practitioners to become agents of hope and unity .
Engaging Discussions and Call to Action
The event featured a keynote lecture by Musikilu Mojeed, Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, who addressed the role of empathy in storytelling and the challenges of reporting on vulnerable communities. Other notable speakers included Shuaibu Husseini, Managing Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB); George Ehusani, Executive Director of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation; and Henry Nzekwu, public relations consultant and Founder of Bridge Radio, Asaba .
Their discussions emphasized the urgent need for media literacy, ethical journalism, and the cultivation of narratives that foster national cohesion and resilience. The event concluded with a minute of silence in memory of Chief Dokpesi, serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring impact on Nigerian media and society .
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