RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called for a stronger partnership between government, the media and citizens to consolidate Nigeria’s democracy, while proposing the establishment of a National Media Centre in honour of late broadcasting pioneer, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.
Uzodimma proposed on Sunday, October 25, during the third Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi Annual Diamond Lecture in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and DAAR Communications Plc.
The event, themed “Media, Democratic Consolidation and Development,” brought together stakeholders to examine journalism’s role in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting national development.
The governor urged public officials to stop treating journalists as adversaries, stressing that independent media scrutiny was essential to transparency, accountability and responsible governance.
He proposed a three-way partnership under which governments would protect press freedom, media organisations would uphold professional and ethical standards, and citizens would critically evaluate information before sharing it.
Uzodimma emphasised that investigative journalism could help prevent the misuse of public resources by scrutinising government spending on roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure.
He also acknowledged challenges confronting Nigerian journalism, including political interference, commercial pressures, intimidation, inadequate remuneration and misinformation amplified by digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
Paying tribute to Dokpesi, founder of RayPower FM and Africa Independent Television (AIT), Uzodimma proposed a National Media Centre dedicated to research, professional development and development journalism.
He pledged to champion the initiative, maintaining that protecting press freedom and restoring public confidence in journalism would provide a lasting tribute to the late media entrepreneur.
Speaking at the event, DAAR Communications Chairman, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, described his father’s broadcasting investments as an effort to expand public participation and strengthen democratic accountability.
He urged young Nigerians, particularly first-time voters, to participate actively in governance rather than remain passive consumers of political information.
Dokpesi Jnr also announced plans to unveil a media incubation and civic-technology initiative on December 1, 2026, aimed at equipping young content creators and voters with tools to monitor governance and election activities.
Meanwhile, NIPR President, Dr Ike Neliaku, urged public and private sector stakeholders to support Nigeria’s hosting of the World Public Relations Forum in Abuja in November.
Organisers expect international participation from a professional network spanning 126 countries.
Neliaku described the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s international reputation, warning that delegates’ experiences could significantly influence perceptions of the country.
