Uzodimma Proposes National Media Centre in Honour of Raymond Dokpesi

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has proposed the establishment of a national media centre in honour of late Nigerian broadcasting pioneer Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, describing the initiative as a way to preserve his legacy and strengthen journalism in Nigeria.

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

The governor pledged to lead efforts towards establishing the centre, which he envisioned as a national hub for media research, professional development and development journalism.

“I shall be prepared to lead in the campaign for the establishment of this centre,” Uzodimma said.

He argued that honouring Dokpesi, the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT), should go beyond annual commemorative events to include protecting the press freedom that helped transform Nigeria’s broadcasting industry.

“The best tribute we can pay to his memory is to protect that freedom and ensure that the journalism practiced within it remains worthy of public trust,” the governor said.

Assessing AIT’s contribution to Nigeria’s democratic development, Uzodimma said the station broadened political debate after the return to civilian rule in 1999 by providing platforms for civil society organisations, opposition groups and citizens to question public officials.

He also highlighted the media’s contribution to economic growth through employment, advertising, technological development and the promotion of Nigerian culture. According to the governor, institutional and economic changes have helped support the growth of sectors including telecommunications, financial technology, entertainment and banking.

However, Uzodimma cautioned that Nigeria continued to face serious challenges, including insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, poverty and weaknesses in human development. He described the country as a work in progress and called for sustained efforts by government, journalists and other stakeholders to strengthen democratic institutions.

The governor stressed that journalism plays a vital role in scrutinising public expenditure and assessing whether government investments deliver the benefits promised to citizens. He added that credible reporting was increasingly important at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly and digital technologies are becoming more sophisticated.

“Our democracy will be better served when the media can pursue the truth without intimidation, when government accepts the discipline of scrutiny, and when the institutions of accountability respond to what is established,” he said.

Uzodimma urged journalists to uphold professional integrity while encouraging government to embrace transparency and accountability. He maintained that press freedom should produce tangible democratic and developmental benefits for Nigerians.

The proposed national media centre, he said, would help preserve Dokpesi’s contributions to broadcasting while supporting research, professional standards and journalism that serves the public interest.