Dele Momodu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dele Momodu
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 May 1960 Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria |
| Education | Master of Arts degree in English Literature |
| Alma mater | Obafemi Awolowo University |
| Occupation | Journalist/CEO |
Chief Dele Momodu (born May 16, 1960) is a well-known Nigerian journalist, publisher, and businessman. He is also a motivational speaker. He is the CEO and publisher of Ovation International, a popular magazine that features celebrities.
In 2015, he launched Ovation TV. Later, he started an online newspaper called The Boss Newspaper. Mr. Momodu has received many awards for his work in business, politics, writing, music, and fashion. He writes a weekly column called "Pendulum". It is published every Saturday in ThisDay newspaper. His articles are known for discussing important national issues in Nigeria. They also cover popular topics, current events, and famous people.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Dele Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. His full name, Ayòbámidélé, means "my joy has followed me home." He is the youngest of three children.
When he was 13, his father passed away. After that, his mother and other relatives supported him. His mother, who passed away in 2007, taught him to never give up, even when things were hard. She always supported him, even when others doubted him. She gave him a third chance to pass his senior secondary exams (WAEC). Even though she earned money from small trading and had two older children to care for, she worked very hard for her family. Mr. Momodu says, "she didn't give up on me."
Education and Early Career
Dele Momodu studied at the University of Ife, which is now called Obafemi Awolowo University, in Ile-Ife. He graduated in 1982 with a degree in Yoruba. He also earned a master's degree in English Literature in 1988.
From 1982 to 1983, he taught at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife. This was during his National Service. From 1983 to 1985, he worked as a private secretary for Chief Akin Omoboriowo, who was the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. In 1986, Mr. Momodu managed the Motel Royal Limited for Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife.
After leaving Motel Royal, he went back to school for his master's degree. During this time, he wrote articles for newspapers like The Guardian and Sunday Tribune. In 2016, he received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana. This earned him the title "Doctor of Humane Letters".
Journalism and Business Ventures
In May 1988, Dele Momodu started his first job as a staff writer for African Concord magazine. This magazine was owned by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. A year later, Mr. Momodu moved to Weekend Concord as one of its first staff members. He wrote the first main story for the paper in March 1989. He also wrote for other publications like National Concord and the Yoruba newspaper Isokan.
By May 1989, he became the literary editor. Within six months, he was promoted to news editor of Weekend Concord. From May 1990 to September 1991, he edited Classique, a celebrity magazine. This job made him the highest-paid editor in Nigeria at the time.
He later left journalism to try business. He became a bread distributor for his mentor, Moshood Abiola. After that, Mr. Momodu started his own public relations company, Celebrities-Goodwill Limited. This company managed accounts for important people like Moshood Abiola and Mike Adenuga.
Time in Exile
In 1993, Mr. Momodu joined the presidential campaign of Moshood Abiola. After the 1993 presidential election was cancelled, he was arrested and held in Lagos. He was a strong supporter of democracy.
In 1995, the government of Sani Abacha accused him of serious wrongdoing. He was accused of being involved with a secret radio station called Radio Freedom (later Radio Kudirat). Mr. Momodu managed to escape Nigeria by pretending to be a farmer. He went through the Seme border into Cotonou, in Benin Republic. From there, he fled to Togo, Ghana, and finally to the United Kingdom. He could not return to Nigeria for three difficult years. Later, all accusations against him were cleared. It is believed they were made by the government he opposed.
Ovation International Magazine
Dele Momodu started Ovation International magazine in 1996 while he was still in exile. After the political situation in Nigeria changed, he returned home.
Since then, he has grown Ovation International into one of Africa's most popular celebrity magazines. It is known for being the only bilingual magazine in Africa, with editions printed in both English and French.
Ovation Carol and Awards
Since 2008, Mr. Momodu has hosted an annual event called the Ovation Red Carol, later renamed Ovation Carol and Awards. This event takes place every December. It has become one of West Africa's most popular Christmas events. It often includes music, drama, fashion shows, and awards for different good causes.
From 2008 to 2012, it was held in Lagos, Nigeria. In December 2013, it was held in Accra, Ghana. That year, former Ghanaian president J. J. Rawlings attended. Famous musicians like Wyclef Jean, MI, Ice Prince, and Burna Boy performed.
In 2015, two shows were held for the first time: one in Lagos and one in Accra. Nigerian performer Wizkid was the main act for both events. American singer Evelyn "Champagne" King also performed at the Lagos show. The 2016 show was held in Lagos. Many artists like Korede Bello, Flavour N'abania, and King Sunny Ade performed. The Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama also attended.
The 2017 show featured performances from Tiwa Savage, 2baba, Davido, and many other famous musicians. Important guests like Femi Otedola and Aliko Dangote were there. The 2018 event included an all-star lineup of musicians such as Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Mr Eazi, and Falz.
Political Aspirations
In September 2010, Dele Momodu announced his interest in running for president of Nigeria. He planned to run under the Labour Party for the 2011 presidential election. However, the Labour Party later withdrew from the race. He then ran under the National Conscience Party. He lost to Goodluck Jonathan in the general elections. He later said this presidential race came from a feeling of frustration.
In February 2022, Mr. Momodu again declared his intention to run for president of Nigeria. This time, he sought to run on the platform of the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party.
Family Life
On December 19, 1992, Dele Momodu married Mobolaji Abiodun. They have four children together: Pekan (born 1994), Yole (born 1996), Eniafe (born 1997), and Korewa (born 2004).
