By Miracle Okoro, Abeokuta
Congratulations! Alhamdulillah I'm part of this historic moment of commemorating the 30th year of establishment of Raypower 100.5fm birthed by DAAR Communications Ltd in 1994 as the pioneer private radio station in Nigeria.
I became part of the family shortly after its establishment in 1994 on account of the proscription of Concord Press of Nigeria where I was a political correspondent.
I was absorbed as a reporter assigned to be covering Police Affairs and charged with producing Charge Room with Bisi Oke as my presenter.
It was fun working with all beautiful souls that made up the vibrant newsroom marshalled by late DNCA, who rose to be CEO, the enigmatic Ladi Lawal ably supported by Tony Akhiotu on Kelly Elisha.
Upon reopening of Concord Newspapers at the close of 1995, I returned to the newspaper as a Research Assistant on the Editorial Board to continue my print journalism career.
In 2003, I was back into the fold of the DAAR Family with a full appointment as a news editor working with 106.5fm.
It was a continuation of my spell working under direct supervision of Odion Bello with Rev. Funke Alli as GM until 106.5fm was temporarily shut and I returned to 100.5 to begin jolly jolly with the Mike's, Seuns, Winston etc.
In 2005, I relocated to VON as a Senior editor and subsequently a special assistant to the Director-General.
Those two career interludes remain indelible in my memory as the primary orientation of my foray into broadcasting.
I thank and pray for late Ladi Lawal, baba nla. He's unforgettable. The Visionary and founder of DAAR Group , Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi will ever be remembered for his vision, doggedness, enthusiasm. His inspiration and risk ability remain shining and endearing.
By all ramifications and in all parameters, he was youthful when he launched into the uncharted course of private broadcasting .
Dokpesi of blessed memory deserves our special prayer at this moment. He is unforgettable. He created an empire from a virgin land. He is an inspiration in Broadcasting. He is an uncommon pacesetter. We owe him a wealth and debt of gratitude
Almost 20 years after I exited Raypower, it's still like yesterday for me. Those brief interludes 1994 to 1995 and 2003 to 2005, roughly five years are very indelible and crucial in my existence. They were years of remarkable lifelines in trying times.
Alhamdulillah, despite odds, DAAR is surviving and thriving . It's grown to be a mighty, sheltering oak. It's a national legacy of an individual inspiration.
All who find DAAR Group a comfortable Forte and a lifeline of existence, whether in the past or present must keep the dream alive.
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