*In him, Nigeria lost a patriot — PDP

The Management of DAAR Communications Limited on Monday cleared the air surrounding death of its founder, Raymond Dokpesi.

The media mogul breathed his last on Monday in Abuja.

While confirming his death in a statement, the DAAR Communications Group Managing Director, Tony Akiotu, said the late businessman had been ill prior before his death.

He, however, explained that he was on his journey to full recovery before he fell and died during routine exercise on Monday.

He had been ill in the last few weeks but was on his way to full recovery.

“He had a fall off his threadmill during routine gym exercise.

“Further announcements as regards to burial arrangements will be made by the family,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday said its family is devastated by the death of one of its leading lights, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) and National Executive Committee (NEC), media mogul, statesman and Patriarch of the Dokpesi family, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

A statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, noted that Dokpesi was an exceptionally committed and courageous nationalist, an insightful and loyal party man; a brilliant and resourceful entrepreneur who was steadfast in his selfless contributions towards the unity, stability and development of our great Party and the nation at large.

According to the party, as a patriotic Nigerian, Dokpesi deployed his media empire of Africa Independent Television (AIT) Ray Power FM and Faaji FM to champion the course of national development, promoted greater and affordable access to information across the country, stimulated good governance, enhanced economic growth and development in all critical sectors and opened our nation to international limelight and opportunities.

The statement added: “He was a detribalized Nigerian, who put the interest and wellbeing of our nation above every other consideration and made numerous positive landmarks in our national political, economic and social landscapes.

“Chief Dokpesi’s death is indeed a colossal national loss and a big blow to the PDP family.”