DAAR Communications Announces Retirement Of Akiotu, Other Senior Executives

DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company of African Independent Television (AIT), Raypower, and Faaji FM, has announced the retirement of several senior executives, including Mr. Tony Akiotu and Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi.

This decision, effective from October 31, 2024, is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to adhere to its Internal Control Policies and Procedures Manual, which mandates the retirement of executives who have served for over 10 years in their roles.

The announcement which was made recently by the company’s secretary, Miji Jonah followed reports from various online platforms claiming that DAAR Communications had dismissed these key figures. To clarify the situation, DAAR Communications issued a formal notification to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), its shareholders, and the general public, explaining that the decision to retire these executives was in compliance with internal company policies rather than an abrupt dismissal.

The statement from the company reads: “DAAR Communications PLC (the Company) wishes to notify the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX or The Exchange), its esteemed Shareholders, and the General Public that, sequel to the online publication on 17th August 2024, captured ‘DAAR Communications sacks Tosin Dokpesi, Tony Akiotu, other Directors’ and ‘DAAR Communications retires Tosin Dokpesi, Tony Akiotu, other Directors’ on other online platforms, the Board and Management of DAAR Communications PLC (owners of AIT, Raypower, and Faaji FM) wishes to state as follows: ‘A decision has been taken to retire members of executive management who have spent over 10 years in executive capacity in compliance with the company’s Internal Control Policies and Procedures Manual. As such, the company wishes to announce the retirement of the following members of its Executive Management.’”

The list of retiring executives includes Mr. Tony Akiotu, Dr. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, Dr. Ambrose Somide, Engr. Anthony Uyah, Ms. Paulyn Ugbodagha, Mrs. Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi, Ms. Faith Ikems, Mr. Imoni Mac Amarere, Mr. John Iwarue and Mr. Johnson Onime.

Each of these executives has served the company for over a decade, completing two five-year terms. Their retirement marks a key transition in the leadership of DAAR Communications, which has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic direction and success over the years.

The board of DAAR Communications expressed deep gratitude for the retirees’ contributions, recognising their leadership as vital to the company’s achievements. The company also extended its best wishes to them as they embark on the next chapter of their careers.

In addition to the retirements, DAAR Communications is undergoing a significant leadership reorganisation. The company has assured stakeholders that it will provide formal notification of the changes to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), regulatory authorities, shareholders, and the general public once the reorganisation is complete.