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 |
Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960) is a well-known Nigerian journalist, publisher, and businessman. He is most famous for creating Ovation International, a popular magazine that celebrates the lives of famous people.
In 2015, he also started Ovation TV and an online newspaper called The Boss Newspaper. Momodu has won many awards for his work in business, politics, and the arts. He also writes a weekly column called "Pendulum" in the ThisDay newspaper, where he discusses important issues happening in Nigeria.
Contents
Growing Up in Nigeria
Dele Momodu was born in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. His first name, Ayòbámidélé, means "my joy has followed me home" in the Yoruba language. He was the youngest of three children.
Sadly, his father passed away when he was only 13 years old. After that, his mother and other relatives helped raise him. His mother, who passed away in 2007, taught him to never give up, even during difficult times. She supported him when others doubted him and even gave him a third chance to pass his high school exams. Even though she earned money from a small trading business, she worked hard to provide for her family.
Education and Early Career
Momodu graduated from the University of Ife (now called Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1982 with a degree in Yoruba. He later earned a master's degree in English Literature in 1988.
Between 1982 and 1983, he taught at a college while doing his National Service. He then worked as a private secretary for the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. In 1986, he managed a hotel for the traditional ruler of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II.
In 1988, Momodu began his journalism career as a writer for African Concord magazine. The magazine was owned by the famous businessman Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. He quickly moved up, becoming an editor for different newspapers. For a time, he was the highest-paid editor in Nigeria. After leaving that job, he started his own public relations company.
Leaving Nigeria
In 1993, Momodu started working for Moshood Abiola's presidential campaign. When the election results were cancelled by the military government, Momodu was arrested because he supported democracy.
In 1995, the government, led by a dictator named Sani Abacha, accused him of serious crimes. A dictator is a ruler who has complete power and doesn't allow people to vote or have freedom. To stay safe, Momodu had to escape from Nigeria. He disguised himself as a farmer and crossed the border into the Benin Republic. From there, he traveled to Togo, Ghana, and finally to the United Kingdom, where he lived for three years. He was later cleared of all the accusations.
The Start of Ovation International
While living in the United Kingdom in 1996, Momodu started his magazine, Ovation International. It features stories about celebrities and important events across Africa.
After the military ruler Sani Abacha died, Momodu was able to return to Nigeria. Since then, Ovation International has grown to become one of Africa's most famous magazines. It is also special because it is published in both English and French.
Political Life
Dele Momodu has also been involved in politics. In 2011, he ran for president of Nigeria. He wanted to bring change but did not win the election.
In February 2022, he announced that he wanted to run for president again, this time as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Family Life
Dele Momodu married Mobolaji Abiodun on December 19, 1992. Together, they have four children: Pekan, Yole, Eniafe, and Korewa.
