DAAR NEWS     

BAYELSA SEEKS COLLABORATION WITH DAAR PLC

The Bayelsa State Government is seeking a closer collaboration with DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of African Independent Television, AIT, Raypower FM and DAAR SAT, to boost the image of the state.

The State’s Commissioner for Information, ASARA ASARA who led a delegation to the Headquarters of the media giant in Abuja called for more focus on the rehabilitation drive in the state.

He commended DAAR Communications for its landmark achievements in the broadcast industry. Group managing Director of DAAR Communications PLC, LADI LAWAL pledged the company’s support for the rebranding of Bayelsa State.

DAARSAT: AN AFRICAN VOICE

The launch of DAARSAT  satellite paid television platform on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital, beyond being a successful business initiative also has significant impact for Nigeria and Africa. There is a Communication slogan that says image is everything. Just  the way that perspective affects judgment.

As distances across the world are overcome by the mere pressing of buttons, peoples across Nations project their image and give their perspectives to affect how they are looked at and judged. At Tuesday’s launch of DAARSAT, Nigeria’s President Umar Musa Yar’Adua, who was represented by the information Minster, John Odeh, charged DAAR Communication to inform the world of the positive strides being made in the Country.

Ambassador Segun Olusegun however says that beyond projecting a good image of the country, DAARSAT is the beginning of forcing good governance on the country as the platform will expose Nigeria to the world.

It would appear therefore that as DAARSAT gives out the right Nigerian and African image and effects a good judgment of the country and continent through the propagation of the African perspective to global issues, Governments must also world such that the positive image is not marred by visible underdevelopment and bad governance.  

DAARSAT: DIGITALIZATION ACHIEVED 4 YEARS AHEAD OF DEADLINE

So much have been said about digital broadcasting in Nigeria. The National Broadcasting Commission has set 2012 deadline for Nigerian Nations to migrate from analogue to digital transmission. Digitalization of broadcast signal may sound alien to people on the streets. But what then does digital transmission mean?

Paul Resch, a broadcast training consultant provides answers by comparing digital and analogue television. Digital broadcasting enables stations to offer high sound and picture quality to receivers. The stations can also offer multiple channels through a medium called multi casting.

The high definition digital technology adopted by DAARSAT is far ahead of two other options; standard and enhanced definition. The choice was carefully made to enable viewers of the PayTv have maximum value for their money.

The digitalization of broadcasting in Nigeria by DAAR Communications Plc has thrown up a big challenge to other stations in the country. The Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, the umbrella body for broadcast homes in the country says other stations can match DAAR’s challenge if they put their acts together.
07.10.08

YAR'ADUA TASKS MEDIA ON NATIONAL SECURITY

President Umaru Yar'Adua today in Abuja cautioned the media about reportage that might endanger the security of the nation. In an address delivered at the launch of Daar Communications Plc Direct-to-Home Digital Satellite Pay TV, Yar'Adua called on the media to ``pay greater attention to national interest and security''.
 
The president's speech, which was read by the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. John Odey, reminded media practitioners to maintain high ethical standards and professionalism in the discharge of their statutory functions.  He commended Daar Plc for making history as the first indigenous digital satellite TV to broadcast to the rest of the world from Nigeria.
 
 
``This event is a potent and strong affirmation of the enabling environment created by the administration for investment and capacity building in ICT and other sectors of the economy.   ``The growth and monumental development being experienced in the broadcast media is a positive pointer to the fact that the deregulation of the industry is indeed paying off for Nigeria and Nigerians,'' he said.
 

He advised Daar Communications to ensure that its news and programmes were guided by the National Broadcasting Code.  He added that the nation's rich cultural heritage should be given prominence to enable ``the world to appreciate Nigeria's huge investment potential. The president assured that his administration would ensure that knotty issues of piracy and copyright were addressed as the nation moved toward full digitalization of the broadcast
sector.  He urged all broadcast stations in the country to take the country's June 2012 deadline for digital migration very serious.
 
``A committee has been put in place to facilitate successful migration,'' he said, stressing the need for the country to move with global trends in the industry. Earlier, Chairman of Daar Communications, Chief Aleogho Dokpesi, highlighted the features of DaarSat, the Pay TV platform, which offers 50 channels, but with a capacity for 120 channels.
 


`` We are presenting the first truly African multi-channel pay-TV platform to an estimated 900 million Africans on the continent. `` Nigeria is the hub of Daarsat Operation and the channels in the bouquet are world class and offers its more than 45 channels at a subscription rate of N5,000 monthly,'' he said.
 
With the commencement of operations by DaarSat, the total number of active DTH Pay TV operators in the country is now five.  According to the National Broadcasting Commission, the country has 100 radio, 147 television, 35 cable, five Direct-to-Home and four direct broadcast stations on air at the moment.
07.10.08

DAARSAT LUNCH

A clergyman wants the private sector to take a cue from Daar Communications by undertaking projects that will generate  employment for the people. Monsighnor Sylvester Osigwe made the request while on a facility tour of Daar Communications ahead of Tuesdays lunch of its Daarsat Bouquet.

A clergyman wants the private sector to take a cue from Daar Communications by undertaking projects that will generate  employment for the people. Monsighnor Sylvester Osigwe made the request while on a facility tour of Daar Communications ahead of Tuesdays lunch of its Daarsat Bouquet.

A clergyman wants the private sector to take a cue from Daar Communications by undertaking projects that will generate  employment for the people. Monsighnor Sylvester Osigwe made the request while on a facility tour of Daar Communications ahead of Tuesdays lunch of its Daarsat Bouquet.

Blessings and sanctification of the Daar Communications complex ahead of the lunch of the multi-channels  direct-to-home pay Tv-Daarsat owned by Africa’s media Mogul, Daar Communications plc. Monsighnor Sylvester Osigwe  of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, Uyo toured  the facilities, offering special prayers for a successful takeoff and sustained service.

He said he was excited by thelunch of the Daar sat because it will provide jobs for many Nigerians. The blessings of God translated into high spirit everywhere worker are busy putting finishing touches to preparation for Tuesday’s lunch of Daar Sat a touch of point here and there, some ensuring that the place is spik and span, the red carpet laid out for the august visitor. The road from T.Y Danjuma-up the hill to the Daar Communications complex is wearing a colourful  look, beckoning visitors.   

DAAR SHARES LISTED ON THE FLOOR OF THE NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

History has been made today(September 26,2008) at the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE,as the shres of an Electronic Broadcast
Organization has for the first time been listed on the floor of the market.

Eight Billion Shares of Daar Communications PLC was listed for trading on the stock market.

This followed the successful completion of Daar Communications initial public offer,which saw the emerging media giant raise about Fourteen Billion Naira
from the public.The company's shares can now be traded on the floor of the stock exchange,with its listing.

Daar Communications PLC,has always been a trail blazer,pioneering the first private station,24-hour
broadcasting,first Nigerian medium to broadcast to the diaspora,first electronic medium to go to the public among other firsts.

And come Tuesday,October 7,2008,President Umaru Yar'adua will formally launch the DAAR sat,a40-channel direct-to-home satellite pay channel,the first by a wholly independent
Nigerian medium.

Meanwhile,the Group Managing Director of Daar Communications PLC owners of Raypower,AIT and DAAR SAT,Ladi Lawal,said the pioneering role of the Organization was indisputable.

According to him,the Organization has more in its kitty and will not stop defining the media Industry in Nigeria and indeed Africa.

DAAR INVESTS 19 BILLION NAIRA ON STRUCTURES/ UPGRADING SYSTEMS

In its efforts to re-position itself as a leading broadcaster in Africa, DAAR Communications Plc has invested nineteen billion naira in state-of-the-art equipment, building expansion and upgrade of local stations.

The chairman of the company, High Chief Raymond Aleoho Dokpesi, disclosed this while playing host to stock brokers in Abuja on Wednesday.
25.09.08

EDITORS AT DAAR COMMUNICATIONS

DAAR Communications Plc have showcased facilities for its DAARSAT- pay Tv channels, to a group of top media executives who were on an inspection visit to the organisation.The visit enabled them to asses facilities ahead of the launch of DAAR Communications multi- channels - the DAARSAT.

The media executives were unanimous in their commendation of the State of the art facilities at the DAAR complex.

DAAR: NBC INSPECTION

DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of AIT and Raypower FM has been given a pass mark by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on its preparedness to run a multi channel broadcast station in the country.

The Director General of the NBC Yomi Bolarinwa gave the pass mark today when he led a team from the commission on an inspection tour to the Abuja Headquarters of DAAR Communications for a first hand view of the new Multi Channels Station to be commissioned by President Yar’Adua next Month.

The NBC boss noted that the commission would always play its regulatory role by providing the enabling environment for the broadcast media such that programmes aired are not pirated.

He also enjoined the management of DAAR Communications PLC to keep promoting African Programmes especially those that will help sell the continent to the outside continent.

The Chairman of DAAR Communications PLC, Aleogho Dokpesi said though much efforts has been put into procuring and installing the equipment, he would not relax until the dreams of the multi-channel station is realized.

The Multi-Channel station offers a bouquet of 24 hours news, sports, movies, music and entertainment channels. It will be open for public subscription and will operate alongside DAAR Communications Stations – AIT and Raypower FM. President Yar’Adua will declare the multi-million dollar venture open next month.
25.08.08

MOVISTAR TO BE FORMALLY LAUNCHED IN THE UK

DAAR Communications Plc will formally launch its Movistar channel run by Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki on Bskyb on the 22 nd through 24 th of the month of September, 2008 at the Millennium Dome in London.

Movistar which had previously been encrypted for the subscription on Bskyb channel 333 will from the 4 th of August, 2008 run on channel 330 as there has been a realignment of Bskyb channels.

In September, the Movistar channel will be launched alongside a major premier at the O2 Centre of The Millennium Dome in London.

A lot of Nigerian celebrities are going to be in attendance as Nigeria is going to be showcasing “Revolution” one of its finest movies with 26 episodes by Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki.

“Revolution,” produced by Dr. Don Pedro Obaseki and directed by Toka Magbaru has a cast listing of 440 Nigeria’s finest actors and actress.

The actors and actresses are a product of the best acting, writing, and directing students of the Theatre Arts department of Nigeria’s finest universities, sourced for by the film maker himself. According to Obaseki, it had taken him two years to put his cast together.

“Revolution” was shot in different locations- Jos and Kaduna.

Speaking with the genius, he mentioned that the movie was titled “Revolution” because he is certain that the movie will change a lot of things.

NIGERIAN FOOTBALL:DAAR PLC SIGNS RIGHTS PACT WITH NFA

Daar Communications PLC,owners of Ait and Raypower FM and AIT will today sign the aquisition of Broadcast Rights to the Nigeria Football Association Properties.

The contract allows DAAR Communications PLC,to be NFA'S Broadcast's partners in the free to air,world-wide and pay Television,except Africa.

The NFA has also conceded to DAAR Communications the rights to produce and broadcast matches involving the home-based Super Eagles and other teams.

In conjuction with NFA'S Marketing Consultant,Pamodzi,Daar Communications PLC also has the right to organize friendly international Games in Nigeria for the National Teams.

The Contract signing,which is about now in progress,will further give bite to last Tuesdays signing of a memorandum of understanding between DAAR Communications PLC and the Nigeria Football Associaition,NFA.

DEMOLITION: AIT DEMANDS N2.5B COMPENSATION

The management of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT/RayPower has demanded N2.5 billion as compensation from the FCT administration for the demolition of its property at Kuruduma Hills in Asokoro District of Abuja. Testifying at the ongoing public hearing on the activities of FCT administration in the last eight years, counsel to AIT, Mr. Chris Uche (SAN), said the money was the value of the property, which was destroyed during the demolition.

He alleged that the property was destroyed for political reasons, stressing that the organisation had to pay dearly for its opposition to the plan for tenure elongation by the past regime, otherwise known as ``Third term''. ``The former Minister of FCT, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, called the Chairman of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, asking him to direct the stoppage of continuous live broadcast of the National Assembly debate on tenure elongation and airing of anti-third term programmes. ``The refusal of Dokpesi to make such directives led to the demolition of the property,'' he said.

A member of the committee, Sen. Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, expressed regret that such actions took place under a democratic regime. ``This is beginning to lend credence to the claims that former Head of State, late Gen. Sani Abacha, may have been an angel afterall.'' he said. Reacting, the Media Assistant to El-Rufai, Mr. Nasir Dambatta, denied that the former minister ever called Dokpesi. ``Malam Nasir El- Rufai has never called Chief Dokpesi or indeed anyone in AIT to stop any broadcast ever, as was shamelessly alleged,'' he said in a statement.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Abubakar Sodangi, said the committee would formally write to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, to stop the use of policemen to evict people. He, therefore, asked the Counselor-General of FCT, Mr. Ma'aji Alkali, to inform the minister of the committee's decision and to ensure compliance. FCT Minister, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, had, while testifying before the committee on Tuesday, stated that the FCT eviction team had been dissolved.

DAAR MOVISTAR-DEBUTS ON SKY B GLOBAL BOUQUET

Daar Communications Plc has launched yet another Channel on the B sky B satellite channel 333 across Europe.

Daar Movie star is a channel dedicated solely to the celebration of the colouirful,unique,exciting and the vibrant cultural heritage of the good people of Nigeria and indeed the Arfican,manifested glowingly in motion pictures and the cinemas.

Daar Movistar is basically packaged for the exportation of the talents,creativity,and the ways of life of igerians and indeed Africans whose strenght of character is in the uniqueness of their cultural diversity,the bond of their personality as a people and a race.

The premium interactive pay TV channel is the brain child of High Chief Dr Aleogho Dokpesi,OFR, the Founder/Chairman of Daar Communications Plc.

He establihed the channel in furtherance with his passionate and patriotic love for the African race in the comity of Nations.The multi-dollar global brand parades the latest and the best in Broadcast technology for service delivery thus guaranteeing value for patronage which in the first 100 days of debut is free.

DAAR INVESTORS FORUM:PROMINENT NIGERIANS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON DAAR PLC

Prominent Nigerians at the Investors Forum endorsed the expansion drive of Daar Communications,operators of Africa Independent Television and Raypower 100 FM.

They underscored the fact that over the years,the organization has grown into a formidable empire,and championed the promotion of Democracy and social justice.

At the Investors forum on Wednesday,prominent personalities said the fact that AIT and Raypower have suvived several political repressions and economic challenges,makes DAAR Communications shares a reliable investment.

They stressed that the decision of the media outfit to make its shares as cheap as 5 Naira,shows that beyond protecting Democracy,it is committed to economic emancipation of the Citizenry.

The Edo State Governorship hopeful,Adams Oshiomole promised that beyond investing heavily in the Daar shares,he will do all that is within his power to ensure that AIT is fully established in Edo State if sworn in as Governor.

The Daar offer opened February 25 and closes March 31, 2008.

DAAR COMMUNICATIONS:INVESTORS FORUM

Daar Communications PLC,owners of AIT and Raypower 100.5m is hosting an Investors Forum Wednesday 26 March,2008 at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja,Nigeria's Capital.

This is in a bid to consolidate its on-going Initial PUBLIC oFFER OF Ono Billion Eight Hundred And Twenty Ninie Thiusand Naira Sfares of Fifty Kobo each at Five Naira per share

The Investors Forum is expected to bring together potential Investors to be part of the Daar Communications expansion project.

Daar Communications had early this Month,offered its Shares to the public and the offer is billed to close on the 31st of March.

DAAR SHARES OFFERS GETS COMMENDATION

The initial public offer of Daar Communicatons Plc continues to receive plaudits from captains of industries.The latest applause came on Wednesday from the Enugu chamber of commerce whose leadership visited the Daar corporate headquaters in Abuja.

The visit of the laedership of the Enugu chamber of commerce to the Daar office has meant to address two issues one;To identify with the media giant on its current share offer and;To solicit for the company's support for the forthcoming Enugu International trade fair.

As usaul,Daar Communications Plc,ever including to partner with any group that serves the public interest,agreed to support the Enugu chamber of commerce as it hosts the trade fair.

As the new partnership between Daar Communications and Enugu chamber of commerce unfolds,the two bodies have agreed in principle to do all within their ability to make the relationship worth the while.

Already Daar Communications Plc operates a centre in Enugu,while the visitors say they are anxious to buy into the company through the current initial public offer of the Daar.

DAAR SHARES OFFERS HIT NIGERIAN MARKET

Africa's largest Media Conglomerate Daar Communications PLC owners of Raypower and AIT Monday formally rolled- out its shares to members of the public.That means you can now own and be part of the trust that we have been holding for you in the last twelve years.

The initial public offer is for one point eight billion shares at Five Naira per share,while DAAR HOLDINGS is selling Nine Hundred and Sixty Million shares at the same five naira per share.

The sale of the shares which started Monday will last till March 30 and you can buy your shares from such leading banks as Eco Bank,Fidelity Bank,Oceanic Bank,Skye Bank and others.

It will be recalled that the media giant held its completion board meeting and the presentation of the Initial Public Offer,(IPO) of the company and signing of all the necessary documents for offer on February 20 in Lagos.

DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PUBLIC OFFER OPENS FEB.25

Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, says the company's initial public offer will open on February 25.

Daar Communications, owners of African Independent Television (AIT) and Raypower 100.5 FM stations, recently announced plans to raise N13.5 billion through the capital market.

The media giant will offer 1.829,478,000 shares of 50k at N5 per unit. The company will also offer another 9.6 billion shares belonging to existing shareholders.

Speaking at the company's business forum in Lagos, the Executive Chairman said that the offer is to allow Nigerians the opportunity to be part of the expansion and the improved content of the media conglomerate.

According to Dokpesi ``Nigerians should endeavour to take part in the ownership of the company that is theirs already," On the company's profitability profile, Dokpesi said that Daar profit appreciated to N25 billion in 2007 when compared with N3 billion recorded in 2002. He said that the company suffered losses between 2002 and 2003 `due to political persecution'.

The Chairman also commended President Musa Yar`Adua for approving the extension of AIT TV and Ray Power signals across the nation. According to him, Yar'Adua's approval showed his commitment and encouragement of the complementary role of private initiative in growing the nation's economy.

In his message, the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Jijiwa commended Daar Communications for opening another chapter
in the history of the nation's media industry. Jijiwa, who is also the President the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), said that member
stations have accepted a 25 per cent reduction in advertisement for the Daar Communications public offering.

``We are in full support of Daar Communications voyage into the capital Market because they are only celebrating the broadcast industry," Jijiwa said.

The Present of the Nigerian Shareholders Solidarity of Association (NSSA), Mr Timothy Adesinyan, commended Dokpesi for appreciating the value of
listing a company on the stock exchange.

"To us in the association, we see the scheduled offer as Dokpesi's birthday gift to Nigerians," he said.

DAAR COMMUNICATIONS GOES PLC

Daar communications is set to achieve its goal of being the biggest and best broadcast organization to emerge from Africa.

This task got a boost Thursday when the Nigeria stock Exchange granted the appropriate approval to raise money from the stock Exchange in an initial public offer of one point eight billion ordinary shares.

It is yet another feat for this company that has gone through thick and thin and emerged the African broadcast Industry .

Daar communications pioneered private radio broadcasting in Nigeria,24 hour radio and Television broadcasting ,Satellite broadcasting and has just clinched a network licence to broadcast to the nooks and crannies of the country.

Despite all its feats,Daar communications made history again on Thursday when it became the first broadcast company to be listed on the Nigeria stock Exchange. This followed the approval by the Stock Exchange for Daar Communications share offers.

Chairman and Icon Stockbrokers,Chike Nwanze says it is well that Daar Communications is coming to the Market as it is the best and easiest way to raise fund s to ensure the kind of expansion that would put Ait and Raypower at par with other global broadcast outfits.

Chairman of Daar Group Aleogho Dokpesi said "the decision by Daar Communications to go to the Market was based on the need to be part owners and show gratitude for their support for the organisation over the years"

Dokpesi said "although it was an ambitious move, it is achiveable as it will afford Daar Communications opportunity to meet challenges ahead".

After sorting out the paperwork and obtaining other approvals from relevant Govt agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC,Daar will in a couple of weeks roll out 66 million ordinary shares at 5 kobo per unit in an initial public offer of 1.8 billion ordinary shares as approved by the council of the exchange while Daar investment and holding will push 960 million shares into the Market at the same price.

The stage is now set for this Organisation to consolidate its pacesetter role .

PRESIDENT YAR'ADUA GRANTS DAAR GROUP DIRECT TO HOME TELEVISION BROADCAST LICENCE

The Daar Communications Group , owners and operators of Raypower Fm radios and Africa Independent Television AIT have been granted two new broadcast licences Direct To Home (Satellite) Licence,and a Network Licence to undertake the broadcast of Radio and Television programmes across Nigeria by President Umar Musa Yar'adua.

In its letters of approval to the Chairman Chief Executive of DaarGroup PLC the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission NBC Yomi Bolarinwa, says the approvals are predicated upon fulfilling the terms of the commission as set out in section 2(1)(c) of the NBC act 38 of 1992 as ammended and pursuant to the provisions of section 39 of the constitution of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria.

With these approvals by President Yar'adua Africa Independent Television AIT can be accessed in all homes in Nigeria and Overseas through terrestial and satellite broadcasting.

DAAR LISTING ON NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

The listing of Nigeria's pioneer private boradcast outfit, DAAR Communications plc on the Nigerian Stock Exchange will enable the company to break new grounds in broadcasting.

The Executive Chairman of DAAR communication plc ALEOGHO DOKPESI, said this on Firday when he appeared on the financial market based programme, "the Money show" on AIT

He said despite the many challenges in the broadcast industry, the communications outift was able to champion the introduction of a-24-hour radio and television broadcast in Nigeria. Dokpesi called on Nigerians from all walks of life to be proud to become stakeholders in the organisation.

The DAAR Communications plc boss said being a pioneer in whatever endeavour he has engaged in had always served to motivate him to atain lofty heights.He expressed the hope that the broacast media in Nigeria, will not relent in his efforts to make owners and operations of broadcast organisations in Nigeria be at par with other broadcasters anywhere else in the world.

Daar communications, plc, owners and operators of AIT and Raypower currnetly has branches spread across the country with its Television signals recieved in the carribeans, Europe and America.

BOOK LAUNCH IN HONOUR OF HIGH CHIEF RAYMOND DOKPESI

The 289 - Page book explores the formative life of High Chief Dokpesi, his dogged struggles to keep the Afircan culture and the genuine desire to emancipate the black race from the chains of poverty and injustice.

In his speech, Chairman of the book launch, Bamanga Tukur called on Nigerians to endeavour to always write their biography that would be of benefit to future generations.

Chris Ebute author of the book, described Raymond Dokpesi as a distinguished Nigerian who has made a mark in the broadcast industry.He said he was moved to write the book so that future generations can tap from his wealth of experience and learn from his perseverance in climbing the ladder of success.

The book launch no doubt drew top government dignataries amongst who were the Governors of Rivers ,Abia ,Enugu and Ekiti states who came to celebrate a man who is regarded by all as" an icon of our time".They all agreed that the book is "a must read" for everybody.

For the man described as a legend of our time, the visibly moved Executive Chairman Raymond Dokpesi,expressed joy at the love shown to him.He said there was need for Nigerians to be resolute in their pursuit of positive endeavours. Dokpesi promised to always use his resouces to pursue the course of mankind.