After COVID-19 Scare, Dokpesi Back Home

The Founder and Emeritus Chairman of the DAAR Communications PLC, owners of Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Raypower FM, High Chief Aleogho Raymond Dokpesi, has been re-united with his family after surviving a scare from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was discharged from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada isolation centre Thursday morning.

However, Dokpesi’s children and daughter-in-law who were taken into isolation after testing positive to the coronavirus infection were yet to be released from hospital at the time of this report.

The High Chief, Doyin (wife of his first son, Raymond Dokpesi Jnr.,) and six other members of his family were confirmed positive on Friday, May 1, 2020, and taken into the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada isolation centre for treatment.

Their hospitalisation came three days after Dokpesi’s first son and Chairman of DAAR Communications PLC, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus infection.

While thanking Nigerians for their prayers, High Chief Dokpesi said the experience of the last 14 days had opened his eyes to the gargantuan problems Nigerians faced in getting healthcare delivery.

“The past weeks,” he said in his letter of appreciation to Nigerians on Thursday,  “have provided us with a first-hand experience of the enormous challenge before us as a country.

“We are better acquainted with the personal sacrifices many Nigerians are making to ensure that we collectively defeat this pandemic. This cuts across the policymakers, the care providers and even the cleaners whose job puts them at constant risk of exposure.”

Below is the full text of Dokpesi’s appreciation letter:

APPRECIATION

The past weeks have provided us with a first-hand experience of the enormous challenge before us as a country. We are better acquainted with the personal sacrifices many Nigerians are making to ensure that we collectively defeat this pandemic. This cuts across the policymakers, the care providers and even the cleaners whose job puts them at constant risk of exposure.

I am exceptionally indebted to God Almighty for keeping and protecting me and my entire family all through our isolation at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Isolation Centre.

I am most delighted to state that after the reconfirmation test, I have been confirmed NEGATIVE to COVID-19 and so DISCHARGED accordingly in the early hours of today – Thursday May 14, 2020.

My gratitude goes to many Nigerians in the Country and in the Diaspora for their outpouring of concern and prayers.

However, special mention must be made of the SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha & Chairman PTF, who not only sympathised with me & my family but also personally made both video & voice calls on several occasion to ascertain our well-being.

My appreciation goes to the Hon. Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Medical Team and other members of the PTF, the CMD UATH – Gwagwalada – Prof Bisallah Ekene, Head of Isolation Center – Dr Tahir, Rivers State Governor – His Excellency, Nyesom Wike and other serving & former State Governors too numerous to mention, Fmr President & Head of State, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, Former President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency,

Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan GCFR, Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), GCFR,  Gen Abdusallami Abubakar (Rtd), former Vice President Alh. Atiku Abubakar, GCON, Elder Statesmen, Alh. Bamanga Tukur, CON,  Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Chief Nnia Nwodo, Chief Bitrus Pogu, Sen. Francis Alimekhena, Sen Ben Obi, Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, General Aliyu Gusau (Rtd), Gen Akinrinade, Dr Auwalu Anwar, the D.G NBC, Fmr I.G of Police – Solomon Arase and members of the National Assembly.

I thank all PDP Chieftains and Party stalwarts across political divide, Chief Emeka Offor, Sen Ifeanyi Ararume, Chief Acho Ihenacho, King Sunny Ade, Chief Dr. Olasupo Alli-Balogun, Fatai Bello-Omeiza, Oba Otudeko, Chief Akomolafe, Prince Folusho Phillips, Chief Shobanjo,  Traditional Rulers across the federation and particularly The Okumagbe of Uwanno, Chief George Oshapii, the Arch Bishop of Abuja Diocese – Ignatius Kaigama, Bishop Mathew Kukah and all the catholic church clergy who offered masses for us, Islamic Scholars, Chief Tom Adaba, Mac Emokpore, Prof. Anya Anya, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Sen Lee Maeba, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, Media Proprietors & practitioners, Management and Staff of DAAR Communications Plc., entire members of my family, friends and well-wishers.

It is my firm belief that with well thought out policies, coupled with targeted and highly coordinated investment in the health system, Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19 may become the catalyst for the much-needed reform in the health sector.

I thank you all.

High Chief (Engr.) Raymond A.A Dokpesi, Ph.D, D.Sc, FCIT UK, FCITA, FNSE, OFR

(Ezomo of Weppa Wanno Kingdom)

FOUNDER/CHAIRMAN EMERITUS)