Chairman of DAAR Communications Raymond Dokpesi Jnr has welcomed a proposal by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for a National Media Centre in honour of his late father, private broadcasting pioneer Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, pledging to work with relevant stakeholders to advance the initiative.
Dokpesi described the proposal as an opportunity to recognise his father’s contribution to Nigerian broadcasting, promising to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and engage the governor on establishing a team to move the project forward.
He said further details would be announced as consultations progressed.
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Speaking at the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, Dokpesi also highlighted the importance of credible communication, democratic consolidation, youth participation and digital innovation to Nigeria’s national development.
He urged young Nigerians, particularly first-time voters, to take responsibility for protecting democratic gains through active civic engagement and accountability.
“The task of my generation, and more importantly of yours, is consolidation,” he said. “Consolidation means ensuring that our democratic gains cannot be reversed. It means making accountable the norms, not the exceptions.”
He described the Permanent Voter Card as an important instrument of democratic participation, urging young citizens to recognise their influence in shaping the country’s future.
“For a first-time voter, your PVC is not just a piece of plastic. It is your shared certificate in the corporate entity called Nigeria. It is your power, your voice, and your mind,” he said.
As part of efforts to deepen civic participation through technology, Dokpesi announced plans to present a media incubation and civic technology initiative on December 1, 2026.
The initiative is intended to equip young creators, advocates and first-time voters with tools to monitor governance, report community development needs and document national events, including elections.
“We are moving you from passive consumers of media to active digital architects of our democracy,” he said.
In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, Dokpesi explained that the initiative would operate as a digital news agency, enabling people with smartphones and internet access to contribute to national discourse through a platform designed to authenticate submitted content.
He said proposed verification features included cryptography, geolocation tags, timestamps and registered user identification to help establish the authenticity of photographs and videos.
“So a lot of the issues that we have around fake news and verifying what is authentic and what is not authentic is essentially taken away by the way this platform is designed,” he said.
Dokpesi noted that social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence had transformed information sharing, creating new challenges for media organisations and communication professionals. He called for collaboration to counter misinformation and strengthen public trust.
“The tools may have changed, but the mission has not,” he said.
He also disclosed that work was ongoing on the rebranding of African Independent Television, with details expected to be made public before the end of the year.
Dokpesi maintained that a credible media sector, informed citizens and accountable democratic institutions were essential to building a more inclusive and developed Nigeria.
“When the media thrives, democracy is fortified and when democracy is stable, development is inevitable,” he said.
