Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy Engineer
Omobayo Marvellous, Asue Ighodalo Campaign DG Etsako East Hon. Moses Agbukor, Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers and political leaders from Etsako East were among dignitaries who attended the one-year memorial anniversary of late High Chief Raymond Dokpesi in his hometown of Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Council.
The Governor who paid tribute to the late Icon, described him as a national leader and father-figure who dedicated his life to serving humanity through his unmatchable contribution to building a better and more just society with commendable wisdom.
“Regardless of his social status, Dokpesi had always shown humility by being willing to hear the concerns of the average person. His influence as a father-figure transcended political, religious, and ethnic boundaries, and he gave voice to the voiceless.”
The Governor, who was represented by the Executive Chairman of Etsako East Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh at the unveiling of the late Chief Raymond Dokpesi’s mausoleum at his Agenebode residence said, the late leader was development-minded and a national leader who brought honour and dignity to both Nigeria and Africa by the establishment of the Africa Independent Televisions AIT, which employed thousands of Nigerians. Though he is no longer physically present, his legacy will always be with us.
As a Government, we shall never stop honouring him for his contributions and his leadership throughout the State and nation he said.
In a related development, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Engineer. Marvellous Omobayor, traditional rulers, opinion molders, and who is who in Etsako East Politics, as well as children and family members of late Chief Raymond Dokpesi, were among dignitaries present at the grand finale of the weeklong 1st Memorial Football Tournament in Honour of the Icon.
While congratulating the Chairman of the Etsako East Local Government Council for organising a memorial football tournament in honour of Raymond Dokpesi, Edo Deputy Governor Engineer Marvellous Omobayor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff Hon. Abeni Aziz, described the Late Icon as a unifier, a great patriot, and a messenger of moderation in a country where politics is fraught with polarising acrimonies. He possessed a genuine national stature, which made him command the respect
of Nigerians from various religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Hon. (Princess) Benedict Attoh, the Executive Chairman of Etsako East, who earlier kicked off the weeklong game, stated that the tournament has helped to bridge the gap in community reunion by bringing under-18 girls and boys from the state’s 18 local governments to Raymond Dokpesi’s hometown for one week at the St. Peters Grammar School football field in Agenebode.
“The death of our father has unified us because football has no political party or religion; these were the ideals of oneness and togetherness that Chief Raymond Dokpesi stood and was known for, both in words and actions.”
Highlights of the tournament included the official awarding of trophies to the winning team, players, and organisers.
Hon. Marvellous Omobayor, Deputy Governor of Edo State, was represented by his Chief of Staff in presenting the Challenged Cup to Etsako East, the winners of the Raymond Dokpesi Football Tournament, which was organised in his honour by Hon. (Princess) Benedicta Attoh.
Benjamin Atu
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman Etsako East Local Government