Governor proposes a National Media Centre to advance press freedom and democratic development, as DAAR Communications announces a youth-focused media and civic-tech initiative.
By Chioma Vivian James | Abuja
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has proposed the establishment of a National Media Centre in honour of the late media entrepreneur and founder of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, as part of efforts to strengthen press freedom, democratic governance and national development.
Uzodimma made the proposal on Sunday in Abuja while delivering the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc.
The lecture, themed “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development,” brought together media professionals, public officials and other stakeholders to examine the role of journalism in strengthening democracy and advancing national development.
The governor said the proposed centre would serve as a hub for research into development journalism and how the media could contribute more effectively to economic growth, accountable governance and stronger democratic institutions.
Standing, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State
He pledged to lead the campaign for its establishment, describing the initiative as a fitting tribute to Dokpesi’s contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.
Beyond commemorating the late media icon, Uzodimma called for a new partnership between government, the media and citizens to promote responsible journalism, protect press freedom and deepen democratic participation.
He urged governments at all levels to stop viewing the media as an adversary, stressing that credible journalism remained essential to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that public resources delivered the intended benefits.
According to him, the media plays a critical role in enabling citizens to assess government performance, scrutinise public expenditure and demand accountability in the provision of roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure.
He, however, cautioned media organisations against allowing commercial pressures, political interests and the pursuit of online traffic to undermine professional ethics and editorial independence.
Uzodimma also urged citizens to become more discerning consumers of information by verifying news sources, rejecting divisive narratives and supporting independent journalism.
Reflecting on Dokpesi’s legacy, the governor recalled how the establishment of RayPower FM in 1994 and Africa Independent Television (AIT) in 1996 helped expand private broadcasting and diversify public discourse in Nigeria, particularly during the country’s transition from military rule to democratic governance.
He cited AIT’s contribution to political discussions and public participation, describing the expansion of independent broadcasting as an important chapter in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Uzodimma maintained that the best way to honour Dokpesi was to protect the freedoms he championed and ensure that journalism remained credible, courageous and accountable to the public.
Dokpesi Jnr Announces Youth-Focused Media Initiative
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of DAAR Communications Plc, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, said his late father’s entry into broadcasting was driven by a desire to transform society rather than merely establish a commercial enterprise.
He said Dokpesi believed that democracy and development could not thrive without a free, vibrant and courageous media capable of giving citizens a voice and holding leaders accountable.
Dokpesi Jnr noted that the media landscape had undergone significant changes with the emergence of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and social media, while the spread of misinformation and divisive narratives had created fresh challenges for journalism.
He announced that DAAR Communications would unveil a new media incubation and civic-tech initiative on December 1, 2026, to empower young content creators and first-time voters with tools to monitor governance and report electoral activities in real time.
Addressing young Nigerians, he described the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as an important instrument of democratic participation, urging them to move beyond passive consumption of information to actively shape the country’s democratic future.
He explained that the initiative was designed to encourage young people to use digital technology to promote civic engagement, strengthen electoral accountability and contribute to national development.
NIPR President Seeks Positive Global Image for Nigeria
Also speaking, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, called on stakeholders in the public and private sectors to support efforts to project a positive image of Nigeria ahead of the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum, which the country is scheduled to host.
Neliaku described the international gathering as a significant opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s strengths, noting that representatives from about 120 countries were expected to participate.
He warned that the outcome could either enhance or undermine the country’s global reputation, depending on how effectively the event was managed.
The NIPR president urged stakeholders to regard the forum as a national image-building project requiring coordinated efforts across government, business, media and civil society.
The annual lecture continues the effort to preserve Dokpesi’s legacy by encouraging conversations on media freedom, democratic accountability and the role of communication in Nigeria’s development.
