A Tribute To High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, By Chief Dr. Olasupo Alli-Balogun

TRIBUTE TO MY ” BROTHER ” HIGH CHIEF DOKPESI ANTHONY ALEOGHO RAYMOND ( DAAR ) THE ULTIMATE COMMUNICATION GURU.

I have often heard the expression from people “my brother from another mother” but I never laid too much credence to it, until it dawned on me that a non-blood relations can truly be significantly treasured than siblings. Raymond and myself started off by just been mere acquaintances in Gdynia, 1972 at a get-together organized by a committee, which he headed for Nigeria Students in Poland for our country’s Independence Anniversary. He was introduced to me by my very close friend, Captain Joe Ugonoh, who was his classmate at The Prestigious Gdynia Maritime University in Poland. This chance meeting developed into a deep understanding of each others God-given talents and weaknesses. We, together, transformed these positive and negative attributes into Dynamo strength. What I lack, he provided, what he lacks, I provided. I came back, as a Medical Doctor to Nigeria, roughly about a year before him. He came back with a Doctorate degree in Marine Engineering. It was at the time Nigeria Ports were experiencing heavy traffic congestion of ships with the attendant huge financial payment for demurrage incurred to Ship Owners. Aleogho ( translate: No body knows Tomorrow ) came into the welcoming hands of General Olusegun Obasanjo, our then, Head of State, who, invited Raymond from Poland, to join forces with his mentor, Alhaji Bamanga Mohammed Tukur ( BMT) and Chief Chukwumeka Ezeife ( Opaike of Ibuluku) to solve the Cement Armada problem. Their solution gave birth to the construction Ohnne, Warri, Koko and Port Harcourt Ports, to decongest and cut down the waiting time of ships at the Lagos Ports.

After Anthony’s civil service tenure, we formed BALDOK Shipping Company , the name derived from the first three letters of our surnames. While I was a Director of Delta Steel Company, In his private capacity, he was able to use his wealth of experience and technical know-how to perform incredible fits, hitherto unknown in shipping navigation in this part of the world, especially through the winding dangerous creeks of Niger Delta. While I was a Director of Delta Steel, He supplied to DSC many ship-load of 30,000M/T of Iron Ore to the company electrical furnaces while other suppliers were only able to navigate with a 10,000 M/T vessel.

He is a completely detriberlised Nigerian and his respect for Elders is legendary and unparalleled. He was able to form Africa Ocean Lines ( AOL ) another first truly indigenous Shipping Company, a formidable Shipping Company, that built,bought and owned three container ocean going vessels, MV Binta Yar’ Adua, MVAtinuke Abiola, while waiting for MV Aishatu Dokpesi. It’s still to me political wizardry and academic brilliancy bringing together, three Political Giants, General Musa Yar’Adua, Bashorun MKO Abiola and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

I remember during Shinkafi’s National Security Organisation ( NSO ) time, Raymond had to travel to UK for an urgent and important assignment and was asked to bring a security shortie. He was unable to get one from his circle of family friends and later approached me for same. I gladly accepted, to the huge constanation of the then security officers, threatening me gulag, if he fails to return. I was too sure he will come back. Stand by me in times of trouble and I will do the same for you. The greatest of virtue to him is absolute loyalty and unflinching support for his goals and aspirations. He believes that all friends should buy into his aspirations and dreams.

A great family man. His wives and children are the centre of his life. The time he spent with them are the most enjoyable period. His passion is Politics. He envisaged an egalitarian society for Nigeria,where merit can be celebrated as against tribalism, justice and rule of law can be maintained, where youths can take their rightful place in governance and people can enjoy the dividends of democracy. He entertained discordant views with scepticism. I lived with this for fifty years, still keeping my individualism and accomodatiing his self-confidence approach.

Long distance cannot separate love. We share common likes and dislikes, even with that, like most identical twins, we both have our different views of life, which does not disturb us. Time heals our differences.

In his last book that was published on his birthday, I was pleasantly surprised that he referred to me as his ” Alter Ego” meaning “my other self”. I sincerely count it as flattery. There cannot be a second Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi. I thank God that our paths crossed in Poland. I came to this world before him and Raymond left before me. He have accomplished so much, in every aspect of humanity, that he is an envy to all his peers.

Adieu, my brother. You know, we never planned it this way.

Chief Dr. Olasupo Olabiwoninu Olanipekun José Maria ALLI-BALOGUN

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