Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has proposed the establishment of a national media centre in honour of late broadcasting pioneer Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, with a focus on research into journalism, economic growth and national development.

Uzodimma made the proposal on Sunday while delivering the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in collaboration with DAAR Communications Plc.

The lecture was themed Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development.

The governor said the proposed centre would serve as a hub for research into how journalism could contribute to economic development, strengthen democratic institutions and improve public accountability.

He also pledged to lead a campaign for the establishment of the centre, arguing that a lasting tribute to Dokpesi should go beyond annual commemorations to preserving the values of press freedom and responsible journalism.

Uzodimma said Nigeria’s democracy would benefit from a media that could investigate issues and pursue the truth without intimidation, while government institutions remained open to scrutiny.

He stressed that the relationship between the media, democracy and development was inseparable, noting that credible journalism was essential to informing citizens and holding public officials accountable.

The governor also highlighted Dokpesi’s contributions to the expansion of private broadcasting in Nigeria through DAAR Communications, the company behind Africa Independent Television (AIT) and RayPower FM.

RayPower began commercial broadcasting on September 1, 1994, becoming Nigeria’s first private radio station, while AIT was launched in December 1996. Their emergence broadened access to news, political discussions, entertainment and public affairs programming.

Dokpesi, who died in May 2023 at the age of 71, was widely recognised for his role in transforming Nigeria’s broadcasting industry and creating opportunities for broadcasters, entertainers and programme producers.

Speaking at the lecture, NIPR President Ike Neliaku commended the late media entrepreneur for his contributions to the media industry and his commitment to press freedom.

Neliaku said the annual lecture was designed to celebrate Dokpesi’s achievements and sustain his legacy.

He also announced plans for the forthcoming World Public Relations Forum in Abuja, which he said would attract participants from 126 countries.