Founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and seven members of his family have tested positive for COVID-19.
The test results came four days after his son and chairman of DAAR Communications, Mr. Raymond Dokpesi Jnr., tested positive for the virus.
A statement on the website of African Independent Television (AIT), owned by DAAR Communications, said a test conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the Dokpesi family came out positive for eight members of the family.
The statement said Chief Dokpesi and the affected family members had been evacuated by the NCDC to the isolation centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada where his son had been receiving treatment.
“I am of quite Ok, I feel very well”, Chief Dokpesi was quoted as saying shortly after the arrival of the NCDC Ambulance.
“On Monday, the Chairman of the DAAR Board was the first to test positive for COVID-19 after symptoms which he said were similar to malaria. But following persistent bouts of cough, he decided to reach out to the NCDC. His test later turned out positive.
“Contact tracing immediately commenced with his family members including his father, High Chief Dokpesi, and members of his household.
“The test was later extended to senior management and members of staff who had been in close contact with the company’s index case.
“The FCT Health Authorities had also carried out an immediate fumigation of the entire DAAR Headquarters building sitting aloft the Kpaduma hills in Asokoro District of Abuja”, the statement said.