News
Edo Journalists Embark On Endurance Trek To Honour Dokpesi, Want Oct. 25th Declared As National Private Broadcasting Day
Published
9 months agoon
By
Editor
In recognition of his contribution to the media industry in Nigeria, and as a way of immortalising him, journalists in Edo State today, Friday, October 25th, 2024, embarked on an endurance match in honour of High Chief Raymond Dokpsesi, pioneer of private broadcasting in Nigeria.
Themed Raymond Dokpsesi Annual Endurance Treck, the Edo journalists led by the council Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Mrs. Olabisi Akpadia, Head of Benin Network Centre, DAAR Communications – owners of AIT and Raypower – kick-started the fitness match at the state secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benin, and went through Ezoti Street, Airport Road, Oba Square popularly known as Ring Road and Sapele Road, in honour of the departed media icon, businessman and politician.
INFO DAILY reports that in the wake of deregulation of broadcasting, on 24 August 1992, DAAR Communications Plc, founded by Dokpesi, applied for and was granted approval to operate an independent radio station.
The station which started test transmission on 15 December 1993 made history on 1 September 1994 when it commenced commercial broadcasting with the launch of Raypower 100.5 in Lagos, as the first 24-hour broadcast service station in Nigeria, as well as the first private independent broadcasting station in the country.
READ ALSO: Ondo Poll: INEC To Begin PVCs Distribution Thursday
Speaking shortly after the endurance trek, Akpadia said the trek was to honour the late business tycoon on his posthumous birthday and also to remind the Federal Government on the need to declare every October 25th (Dokpsesi’s birthday) as National Day for Private Broadcasting in Nigeria.
The Head of Benin Network Centre, AIT/Raypower, who disclosed that the Endurance Trek in honour of Dr. Dokpsesi has been on for the past 17 years, said media practitioners would continue to do the Endurance Trek until the Federal Government honours the day as National Day for Private Broadcasting.
Akpadia, who said the Endurance Trek was done simultaneously in Lagos and Abuja, noted: “our voices have not been loud enough and that is why we would keep talking about this day until the Federal Government declare this day to honour him.”
She further described her late boss as “someone who loves everyone that comes his way. A very generous and brilliant man. He’s someone who breaks ground. He was not afraid of anyone.”
Also speaking, Acting Head of News, AIT, Benin Network Centre, Osarose Sadoh, described Dokpsesi as “a politician, a renowned broadcaster, someone who gave Nigerians the platform to be aired.”
READ ALSO: Asylum: UK Deports 44 Nigerians, Ghanaians In Single Flight Air Traffic
According to her, the late business tycoon “did not just bring innovation to the broadcast industry in Nigeria, but brought a total transformation to the industry.”
Also lending his voice, Edo NUJ Chairman, Alenkhe joined the AIT family to call on the Federal Government to declare October 25th every year as National Day for Private Broadcasting.
“We are making the call that every October 25th should be declared as National Day for Private Broadcasting in Nigeria. This was the mind of Dokpsesi when he was alive, we want to continue from there,” he appealed.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state from N20,000 to N30,000.
The governor made the announcement on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.
“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members.
“This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” the governor stated.
READ ALSO:Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Fintiri also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and welfare, stating that the allowance hike complements ongoing support efforts such as regular food provision and other welfare initiatives.
Speaking further, he disclosed that plans were at an advanced stage for the construction of a new NYSC orientation camp in the state.
He directed the NYSC State Coordinator to involve corps members with relevant qualifications—such as architects, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors—in supervising the project.
Congratulating the new corps members, Fintiri welcomed them to Adamawa and assured them of government support.
READ ALSO:Man Allegedly Defiles Minor At Wedding Ceremony In Adamawa
He described them as vital partners in delivering key government policies, particularly in education.
“As bonafide citizens of Adamawa during your service year, you are expected to uphold discipline, engage in community development, and cultivate healthy interactions,” Fintiri stated.
He emphasised the importance of the orientation programme in preparing corps members for their national assignment.
The state Commissioner for Youths and NYSC Governing Board Chairman, Wali Yakubu, urged corps members to take the course seriously, follow camp rules, and embrace skill acquisition for post-service self-reliance.
READ ALSO:Reverend Fathers Kidnapped In Adamawa
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Osoro Caroline, commended the corps members’ discipline and participation so far.
She said the orientation course was tailored to equip them for meaningful national contributions.
Osoro praised Fintiri’s consistent support, describing him as a “visionary leader and a beacon of youth empowerment in Nigeria.”
The event also featured the oath of allegiance administered by the Chief Judge of Adamawa, Justice Hapsat Abdurrahman, and a ceremonial presentation of the NYSC journal to the governor.
News
Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Published
8 hours agoon
August 1, 2025By
Editor
The Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, has gifted Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, a three-bedroom bungalow and N50 million for leading the national women’s football team to victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
According to a Facebook post by the governor’s aide, Pius Iliya, the presentation was made at the Government House in Yola, the state capital.
Madugu, an indigene of Adamawa, was hailed by Fintiri for his role in the Falcons’ triumph at the tournament, which took place in Morocco earlier this year.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on behalf of the Government and people of Adamawa State, has gifted Justine Pwanidi Madugu ( Coach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons) a three-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N50m for leading the team into winning the 2024 Women African Cup of Nation that took place in Morocco this year,” the post read.
READ ALSO:
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, with Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Yola… Photo: Posted on Facebook by Fintiri’s aide, Pius Iliya.
The gesture comes weeks after the Super Falcons clinched a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, reaffirming their dominance in women’s football on the continent.
The Falcons had earlier arrived in Abuja on Monday to a presidential reception hosted by President Bola Tinubu.
READ ALSO:
Each player was rewarded with $100,000, while every member of the technical crew, including Madugu, received $50,000, three-bedroom apartments, and national honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger.
The Falcons sealed the title in dramatic fashion, coming from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final, with second-half goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini.
They also finished the tournament undefeated, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three.
News
Policeman Rejects N800,000 Bribe To Free Robbery Suspect In A’Ibom
Published
8 hours agoon
August 1, 2025By
Editor
A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, Ebong Thompson has rejected the sum of N800,000 offered to him to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and cover up the crime.
This is as the command has arrested the suspects in connection with the bribe
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday said the suspects involved in the deal have been arrested and taken to custody.
According to the statement, 53-year-old David Isaac was arrested after a Samsung phone that was snatched at gun point was traced to him.
READ ALSO:Police Arrest ‘One-chance’ Suspects Linked To Killing Of Benue Lady, Grace Alewa In Abuja
John stated that the suspect has a record of similar offences having been arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.
She added that the other suspect, Emmanuel Peter, was arrested and taken to custody after he brought the the sum of N.8m to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police who has given a commendation letter to the officer, warned the public to desist from compromising police investigation.
The statement read in part, ”A police officer in charge of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Ebong Thompson, rejected N800,000 bribe offered to him on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
READ ALSO:Police Arrest Suspected Stolen Goods Dealer In Akwa Ibom, Recover Items
“The money was intended to secure the release of an armed robbery suspect and also cover up the crime.
”The suspect, 53-year-old David Samuel Isaac, was arrested after a Samsung phone that was gotten at gun point was traced to him. Isaac has a history of similar offences as he was arrested and charged to court for similar crimes sometime last year but returned to criminal activities after his release.
”The other suspect, Emmanuel Mendie Peter was arrested after he brought the bribe to the SWAT office to secure the release of the main suspect. He was taken into custody after the offer was rejected.
READ ALSO:Nigeria Police Fighting Against Justice – Scott Iguma Speaks On Travails [VIDEO]
”All officers concerned with this discreet investigation received a commendation letter from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. The CP, while addressing officers at the end of the month briefing, charged them to emulate the Distinguished officers.
”Members of the public are therefore warned to desist from compromising police investigation.”
(PUNCH)
- Residents Flee As Gunmen Attack Benue Community
- PDP Has Been Bought By APC – Dino Melaye
- Drama As Ebonyi Politician Declares Self ADC National VC South-East
- Naira Continues To Appreciate Against Dollar On Official Market
- Transfer: Atalanta Hold Lookman Back From Inter Milan Move
- Dangote Refinery Gets New CEO
- Fintiri Hikes Corps Members’ All
- Alia Submits List Of Eight Commissioner-nominees To Benue Assembly
- How We Killed Nurse, Child In Abuja School After Collecting Ransom – Suspect
- Fintiri Gifts Super Falcons Coach N50m, House For WAFCON Victory
Trending
- News5 days ago
Project ‘HOPE’: Investigate Ogbuku, NDDC Management, Ijaw Media Body Urges EFCC
- News4 days ago
FRSC Lacks Power To Seize Drivers’ Licences, Vehicles, Court Rules
- Politics5 days ago
JUST IN: SDP Expels El-Rufai, Bans Ex-Gov For 30 Years
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Okpebholo Removes EDOFEWMA CEO, Appoints New Director
- Metro4 days ago
Armed Thugs Invade Stakeholders’ Summit In Edo, Beat Organiser To Pulp
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Okpehbolo Suspends His Special Adviser On Oil And Gas
- Entertainment3 days ago
Reactions As 2Face Idibia Weds New Lover, Natasha Osawaru [VIDEO]
- News4 days ago
JUST IN: Tinubu Confers National Honours On Super Falcons
- Metro4 days ago
Bandits Kill 38 Hostages After Collecting N50m Ransom
- News3 days ago
5 Nigerian Universities That Don’t Require JAMB UTME For Admission