Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has expressed shock at the demise of the founder of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raymond Dokpesi.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 presidential election, in a statement signed by his media adviser Paul Ibe on Monday, described Mr Dokpesi’s death as the loss of a friend.

He described Mr Dokpesi, aged 71, as a trailblazer who reshaped the Nigerian business landscape in every sphere of his endeavour.

“Ezemo, as we fondly called him, was an enigmatic business personality, a newsmaker in life and, sadly, even in death,” stated Mr Abubakar.

Mr Abubakar, who expressed shock about Mr Dokpesi, said he entered the corporate landscape at a relatively young age, proving the merit of his creativity with distinction.

“Ezemo was my friend, brother, counsellor, and associate; all rolled into one. He was honest, detribalised, loyal, and supremely hard-working. Once committed to a cause, he will see it to a conclusion,” stated the former vice-president.

He prayed for Mr Dokpesi’s immediate family to have the fortitude to bear the loss of a patriarch.

He also expressed his deepest condolences to the management and staff of AIT, the PDP, the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, and the people and government of Edo over the loss of Mr Dokpesi.

(NAN)