DOPKESI LECTURE: FORMER PRESIDENT, GOOD LUCK WANTS NIGERIANS TO HARNESS THE POTENTIALS INHERENT IN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION’ 25-10-24
By Sadiq Aminu Former President, Goodluck Jonathan wants Nigerians particularly the media to harness the potential inherent in effective communication to promote democratic governance, foster national cohesion and enhance socio-economic development of the country.
Former President Jonathan was speaking in Abuja, as the Chairman of the Inaugural Annual Raymond Dokpesi Lecture series on Communication and Development jointly organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) AND DAAR Communications.
The Inaugural Annual Raymond Dokpesi Lecture series was designed to celebrate the contributions and legacies of the late Chief Dopkesi to the nation’s economic, democratic governance and growth of the media.
Paying tribute to what he described as the excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of late Chief Dokpesi, Former President Goodluck Jonathan said the late media mogul used effective communication and innovative journalism to amplify marginalized voices and drive social change.
Dr Goodluck Jonathan said the media must place priority on objectivity, fact-checking, constructive reporting and guard against fake news to avoid consequences that may be detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.
On his part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Dr Mohammed Bulama applauded the virtues late Dokpesi represented and urged Nigerians to always support the country even in times of great difficulties.
The President of NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku attributed the growth of the country’s democracy to contributions of some notable Nigerians including Late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, underscoring the need for Nigerians to always protect the reputation of the country.