Dele Momodu
| Dele Momodu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
16 May 1960 Ile-Ife, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Obafemi Awolowo University |
| Occupation | Journalist/CEO |
| Years active | Publishing 1996–present |
| Spouse(s) | Mobolaji Momodu (m. 1992) |
| Children | Pekan Momodu, Yole Momodu, Eniafe Momodu, Korewa Momodu |
Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu; 16 May 1960) is a Nigerian Journalist/ Publisher, actor, motivational speaker and businessman. He is the CEO and publisher of Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the World, mainly in Africa. He owns a restaurant in Ghana known as the House of Ovation.
Dele has received numerous awards and has been given recognition for his work in the business world, the music industry, and the fashion industry in which he plays major roles. Tiwa Savage, one of Nigeria's most popular singers has credited Dele for giving her career a kickstart by putting a picture of her in Ovation International after he was invited to a spectate a talent show in her school. Dele Momodu has been seen at many social events and has now become an international household name.
Dele writes a weekly article called PENdulum. They are published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper. The articles are praised for highlighting issues in Nigeria, as well as discussing popular topics, current events and famous people.
Early life
Ayobamidele, meaning "my joy has followed me home",[1] is the last of three siblings. He lost his Dad at the age of 13 relying on his Mum and relatives for support. Dele was taught by his late Mum, who died on the 18th of May 2007,[2] not to despair even when times are tough. This was exemplified by her continual support of him even when others had written him off. She had given him up to a third chance at passing his WAEC ( Senior Secondary Exams ) Although his Mum's source of income was from petty trading, and with two older children to care for, she laboured hard to sustain her family, and in the words of Dele Momodu "She didn't give up on me".[2]
Education and career
Dele Momodu is a graduate of University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) 1982, Dele holds a degree in Yoruba and a Master's degree in English Literature in 1988. He lectured at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982–83 while on National Service. Between 1983–85, he was private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo. In 1986, Dele Momodu served the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing the Motel Royal Limited owned by the monarch. Following Dele's resignation from the Motel Royal, he went on to study for his post-graduate degree in English literature. He was during this time contributing articles to the likes of The Guardian, Sunday Tribune and other Nigerian-based publications.
Involvement with MKO Abiola
In May 1988, Dele Momodu got his first job as Staff Writer with the African Concord magazine, owned by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. A year later, he was transferred to Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff. He wrote the first cover story for the paper in March 1989. He also contributed to other publications such as the National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord and the Yoruba newspaper, Isokan. In May 1989, he became Literary Editor, within six months he became News Editor of the Weekend Concord. Between May 1990 and September 1991 edited May Ellen Ezekiel's Classique, a celebrity magazine an appointment which made him the highest paid editor in Nigeria. He resigned and tried his hands on doing business as a bread distributor for his mentor Chief Moshood Abiola, who owned the 'Wonderloaf'. Following this, Dele Momodu started a public relations outfit, Celebrities-Goodwill Limited, which managed the accounts of Chief Moshood Abiola, Dr Mike Adenuga, Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie and other distinguished Nigerians.
Exile
In 1993, Dele resigned to join the Moshood Abiola Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dele Momodu was arrested and detained at Alagbon Close in Lagos, after the annulment of the 12 June Presidential election by General Ibrahim Babangida. He was severely punished for his views but was undeterred. He was to be arrested in 1995 and charged for treason by the Sani Abacha Government. He was accused of being one of the brains behind the pirate radio station, Radio Freedom later changed to Radio Kudirat, after the cold-blooded murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola. Dele Momodu managed to escape masquerading as a farmer through Seme border into Cotonou, in Benin Republic, from where he fled to Togo, Ghana and eventually to the United Kingdom.[3] For three agonising years, Dele could not re- enter his homeland, Nigeria.
Ovation International
Dele Momodu started Ovation International in 1996 while still in exile. After the death of MKO Abiola in prison and subsequently, the death of his persecutor, Sani Abacha, Dele ended his exile. Since then, Dele has expanded Ovation International, and it is now one of Africa's most popular celebrity magazines. Ovation International is also reputed for being the only bi-lingual magazine in Africa, having editions printed in both English and French.
Ovation Red Carol
Dele Momodu has held an annual event every year since 2008 (except in 2010, due to the impending presidential elections), known as the Ovation Red Carol (later changed to Ovation Carol and Awards). The Red Carol is held every December, and has become one of West Africa's most popular annual Christmas events, often involving musical performances, drama, fashion shows and award presentations for varying charitable causes. From 2008-2012 it was held in Lagos, Nigeria, but was held in Accra, Ghana in December 2013. In 2013, former president of Ghana J.J. Rawlings attended, with Wyclef Jean as the headline act, along with many other international performers, including M.I, Ice Prince and Burna Boy from Nigeria.
Presidential ambition
Dele Momodu announced his intention to run for the presidential election of his homeland Nigeria, which was held in 2011. On 12 January 2011, he emerged Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) after a keenly contested party primaries between Dele Momodu, Chief Martin Onovo and Atei Beredugo. Dele Momodu polled 169 votes to clinch the presidential ticket, whilst Onovo and Beredugo polled 8 and 14 votes respectively.
Family and personal life
On 19 December 1992, Dele married his wife Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu.[4] They have four children known as Pekan[5] (1994), Yole (1996), Eniafe (1997) and Korewa (2004).[6] Pekan started boarding at Harrow school in 2008. A year later, Yole joined Charterhouse School, with Eniafe joining the latter in 2014.
References
- ↑ "BEHIND THE NAME the etymology and history of first names". Behind the name. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 ""My presidential mission" - Dele Momodu". Nigerian Compass. 19 June 2010.
- ↑ Mallami, Kayode. "An African Icon at 50". Sahara reporters. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ↑ Godwin Amaize, Ohimai (15 September 2010). "Dele Momodu Officially Applies As Presidential Candidate For Labour Party". Sahara Reporters. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ↑ Adeniji, Gbenga (17 November 2013). "My father was disappointed when he lost presidential election — Dele Momodu’s son". Punch Nigeria. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
- ↑ "Finally Meet Ovation Publisher, Dele Momodu's Wife ANd His Four Handsome Sons". Afrinolly News Entertainments. 24 April 2014. Retrieved 4 March 2015.