Raymond Dokpesi Jr Joins BON Chairmanship Race, Unveils Plan For Broadcasting Sector

Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jr, has launched his campaign for the chairmanship of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

Dokpesi, who made this known yesterday in an address to journalists at the DAAR Communications headquarters in Abuja, positioned himself as a collaborative leader ready to guide the sector through digital transformation and economic headwinds.

The DAAR communication chief, who promised to grow the industry’s value tenfold within five years, warned that the sector faces rising digital tides reshaping how information flows, and insisted the industry must navigate them together, not as competitors, but as collaborators building a stronger future for all.

Honouring BON’s rotational leadership principle, Dokpesi stated, “This rotation isn’t merely procedural; it’s a testament to our shared commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every voice, from the smallest startup to the most established network, contributes to our collective advancement.”

He pledged to serve by collaborating from within, respecting the investments and aspirations of all, whether their operations fit in a briefcase or span the nation.

The core of his statement was a five-pillar manifesto designed to grow the industry’s contribution to national GDP 10x within the next 3-5 years.

“First, we safeguard the industry by protecting national information sovereignty and building economic resilience for FTA broadcasters, PSBs, local content creators, and indigenous NBC-licensed broadcasters from unfair competition, misinformation, and external threats through robust regulations like data localisation, content quotas, and Must Carry mandates that maintain cultural and security integrity while ensuring universal FIA access.

“Second, we grow the industry by accelerating economic expansion through digitisation, spectrum efficiency, innovation such as AI and social media integration, stakeholder empowerment, tax incentives, and leveraging strategic products and services, leveraging a dedicated TA Development Fund for content acquisition and infrastructure to achieve that 10x sector GDP increase.

“Third, we promote ethical content and self-regulation by establishing standards for quality, accuracy, and ethics to combat misinformation and hate speech, while empowering industry-led mechanisms like BON committees to foster trust and reduce regulatory burdens, with outcomes measured by compliance rates and public trust surveys.

“Fourth, we enhance inclusivity and accessibility by ensuring diverse representation of gender, regional, and youth voices and universal access to broadcasting services, including rural and underserved areas, through mandates for inclusive programming, digital inclusion initiatives, and Crown Jewel event protections that guarantee FTA reach over 3 years,” he said.

Dokpesi pointed to his record at DAAR Communications as proof of concept. “On my own, within the smaller climes of DAAR Communications Plc, we have already started taking baby steps toward this vision. We have observed a tremendous surge in value,” he said.

He said that the company’s share price has appreciated by at least 600-750 per cent following strategic restructuring.

“Collectively, we can do more. As an industry, we deserve more. This is why we need the government to declare a national emergency on broadcasting and examine how to fix the structural, legislative, and regulatory frameworks for our industry, aligning them with these five pillars we have adopted.

“Together, through quiet, strategic engagements I’ve pursued with leaders like the NBC Director-General, Honourable Minister of Information, NOA, and ARCON, we can realise frameworks that empower every broadcaster, large and small, to thrive.

“Fellow broadcasters, the time for evolution is now. Join me in building a BON that celebrates our diversity, drives prosperity for all, and reclaims our airwaves. Together, we’ll create a legacy of unity and innovation that echoes across generations,” he said.