Uzodimma Seeks National Media Centre In Honour Of Dokpesi

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has proposed the establishment of a national media centre in honour of the late media mogul, Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, to promote research, development journalism and the media’s contribution to national development.

Uzodimma made the proposal on Sunday when he delivered the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, titled “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development,” in Abuja.

The governor pledged to lead the campaign for the establishment of the centre, which he said would serve as a hub for research into how the media could be better positioned to drive economic growth and national development.

He described the initiative as a fitting tribute to Dokpesi, the founder of DAAR Communications, which operates African Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM.

According to Uzodimma, the best way to preserve Dokpesi’s legacy is to protect press freedom and ensure that journalism remains credible, independent and accountable to the public.

He described the media, democracy and development as interconnected, stressing that democratic consolidation depends on access to credible information, accountability and meaningful citizen participation.

The governor said citizens could not effectively exercise their democratic rights without reliable information about the activities of those in government.

He added that the media played a critical role in scrutinising public expenditure, exposing corruption and investigating government decisions to ensure that public resources translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

Uzodimma called for a partnership among government, media organisations and citizens to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national development.

He urged governments at all levels to stop viewing the media as an adversary and instead recognise journalists as partners in development.

He also challenged media owners and practitioners to uphold professional standards, strengthen investigative journalism and resist commercial and partisan interests capable of undermining editorial independence.

The governor urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, warning against the spread of misinformation, falsehoods and divisive narratives.

“Democracy therefore needs more than courageous journalism. It needs institutions capable of responding to what journalism reveals,” he said.

In his remarks, the chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., urged young Nigerians, particularly first-time voters, to take responsibility for strengthening the country’s democracy.

He said his late father’s decision to establish RayPower and AIT was driven by the desire to democratise access to information and provide platforms through which Nigerians could question those in authority.

Dokpesi Jnr. described the Permanent Voter Card as an important instrument of civic participation, urging young Nigerians not to surrender their political power through apathy.

“For a first-time voter, your PVC is not just a piece of plastic. It is your share certificate in the corporate entity called Nigeria. It is your power, your voice and your mandate. Never let anyone convince you that your voice does not matter,” he said.

He announced plans to unveil a media incubation and civic-technology initiative on December 1, 2026, to empower young content creators, civic advocates and first-time voters.

According to him, the initiative will equip young Nigerians with digital tools to monitor governance, report community development needs and document electoral activities in real time.

Dokpesi Jnr. urged political leaders to recognise that a free press and an engaged youth population were essential safeguards for democratic stability.

Speaking, the president of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku, said Nigeria had begun preparations to host the 2026 World Public Relations Forum, which he described as one of the world’s biggest gatherings of communication professionals.

Neliaku, who is also chairman of the institute’s council, said the forum would bring together delegates from 126 countries under the umbrella of the International Public Relations Association.

He described the event as an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its cultural, intellectual and professional strengths to the international community.

“The World PR Forum will bring together communication professionals, academics, and policymakers from across continents.

“This is our time to show the world the authentic Nigeria — creative, resilient, and responsible,” he said.

Neliaku said hosting the World Public Relations Forum alongside the 2026 Africa Public Relations Association Conference would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub for strategic communication and reputation management on the continent.

He thanked the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for supporting Nigeria’s successful bid to host the global forum.

“This event is more than a celebration for public relations professionals; it is a national project that gives us the chance to present Nigeria in its true image before the international community,” he said.