Nigerian Community Gives Dele Momodu Rousing Welcome in Calgary, Canada

By Eric Elezuo

It was electric, indescribable and absolutely emotional as the Nigerian Community resident in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, pulled all the stops to give veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, who is the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, a rousing welcome, as he visits the town.

Momodu’s international influence came to the fore as the Nigerians, led by the ebullient social media content creator, YYC Social Prefect, and their other African friends, rolled out the drums at the airport, singing traditional songs in royal welcome, and sweaty dance steps that say so much about the African culture, with special emphasis to the Nigerian way of life, which Momodu, in over three decades of journalism have dedicated his life to projecting.

Among many places he visited were the African Treasure Market, run by a princess of Ile-Ife, Mrs Tomi Ajayi nee Aderemi, where everything Africa in terms of groceries, was on display.

His other port of call was the Health Watch Medical Clinic where the duo of Mr Emmanuel Aladi and Dr. Flora Aladi along with their impressive staff, gave him a much deserved welcome. Momodu was presented a customary ‘kola’ in appreciation and welcome.

At the second branch of Health Watch Medical Clinic, Momodu was received by Dr. Robert Aka, who could not hide his joy at meeting the proverbial publisher of Ovation International Magazine.

Momodu also visited the Delish Restaurant (African Cuisine), which showcased the best of African food. The restaurant is a typical a home away from home.

There was also a visit to Beauty Sponge, where delectable proprietress, Tola Banks, took the special guest and every other person present on a round Robin journey of how she got to her present status. She was a delight to watch.

Chief also put up a cameo appearance at HODYYC, where Pastor Olatunbosun was in charge.

At Flavour Restaurant, the first Nigerian Restaurant in Calgary, owned by Mrs Bola Esan, Chief Momodu was treated to sumptuous lunch comprising dishes from not a few continents in company of Lanre Ajayi, Imole Ayo and Kazeem Shamshudeen.

However, the ultimate of Momodu’s visits was at the Osuji and Smith Lawyers, where diminutive Nigerian professionals showcased the mettle that make Nigerians great in the league of global business.

The visit is summed up in the speech presented by Barrister Juliet Omonigho  as presented below:

WELCOME SPEECH IN HONOUR of CHIEF DR. DELE MOMODU ON HIS VISIT TO OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA

Delivered by

BARRISTER JULIETTE OMONIGHO
OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, DIRECTOR, FOOT IN THE DOOR INITIATIVE

Date: SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

I cannot even believe that this is happening. My name is Juliette Omonigho. I am legal counsel at this firm, a Director at the Foot In the Door Initiative, and a huge fan!

So I have the greatest joy and honour to welcome a most distinguished guest: one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, a giant of Africa, a giant in the fields of journalism, publishing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, a global icon, a visionary who changed the way Africa and its stories are told to the world—the epitome of glamour! Just look at him! We stand in awe of your achievements, Chief Dr. Dele Momodu.

Charles Osuji and the whole team of Osuji & Smith lawyers are deeply privileged to welcome you, whose name is synonymous with excellence, integrity, and cultural pride. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, we humbly welcome you to our firm’s main location.

Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, your life is an inspiration. From the ancient and storied city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, you have not only risen to become a global force in media but have also remained true to your roots; you have committed to telling the African story from the African perspective. Your work through Ovation International, magazine and the Boss Newspaper has crossed borders and bridged cultural divides, reflecting a deep understanding of the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Africa and its diaspora.

ON OVATION MAGAZINE

Can I just talk about Ovation magazine for a moment, Africa’s finest magazine! Wow, I remember the first time I saw an Ovation magazine. Before then, we only saw celebrities from Hollywood in magazines, even in our own local magazines! It was powerful to see Nigerian glamour in print in a glossy, world-class magazine format!

Every Nigerian, from baby boomers to millennials, passed through the excellence delivered by Ovation International. Since its inception in 1996, Ovation has remained a beacon of glamour, culture, and sophistication. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu’s touch of publishing brilliance was unlike anything the continent had seen. It set a new standard, one that many tried to imitate but could never quite replicate. Like-minded magazines emerged, all attempting to be Ovation, which is great because Ovation International set the pace, but none ever reached the same heights. Every magazine wanted to be Ovation, and everyone wanted to be in Ovation.

One of my favourite ads from Ovation back in the day was the cheeky line: “If you’ve already had your wedding and it wasn’t featured in Ovation, you had to do it again.” It was a lighthearted take, but it carried so much truth. Ovation wasn’t just a magazine; it was a cultural movement. There was no denying its gravitational pull. The glitz, the colours, the glamour—we were all captivated. But even beyond that, you celebrated Africa, not just the grand celebrations of the elite of Africa, and I tell you they are grand but also the inspiring stories of everyday heroes. We are all proud that this is our magazine, from Nigeria to Africa and the world!

And as technology evolved, so did Chief Dr. Dele Momodu and Ovation. What’s fascinating is that while others were still trying to catch up, Chief Momodu was already leading the way, entering the digital space. Ovation remains unmatched, a testament to the lasting vision and drive of Chief Dr. Momodu. A great example for others to follow.

You are courageous, and you continue to innovate. Your impact on how the world perceives Africa cannot be overstated. Africa is not a continent of starving children but of unique sophistication and glamour. Because of your contributions, sir, Africa is no longer seen as merely a continent of challenges but one of limitless potential, immense culture, and success—lifting the image of Africa and promoting its stories in the most vibrant and authentic way possible. And now the world proudly sees that.

STILL ON OVATION AND CHARLES OSUJI

We showcase our glamorous music, film and cultural industries, and you took the lead in making that happen. Film and cultural industries You have won numerous accolades; you have met President Bill Clinton, President George Walker Bush and even the Queen of England, to name a few, and you have touched the lives of millions across the globe. But most of all, you are a wonderful family man and a loving father. We admire you for that.

As we celebrate his presence with us today, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between his inspiring journey and that of our very own Dr. Charles Osuji and the phenomenal growth of Osuji & Smith Lawyers.

Sir, let me tell you a bit about Dr. Charles Osuji; like Chief Dr. Momodu, he embarked on a journey fueled by vision and determination. Charles arrived in Canada and quickly rose through the ranks with sheer hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In just a few short years, five years to be exact, he went from a young Nigerian boy in his twenties who, though graduated at the top of his class, seemed to have no prospects when he arrived in Canada, working three menial jobs to make ends meet, to finally getting an articling position after over 200 rejections! He bought the firm just three years after Articling and, in just five short years as managing partner, led it to become the largest black-owned law firm in Canada! His story is one of resilience, innovation, courage and the kind of tenacity that transforms dreams into reality.

Osuji & Smith Lawyers, under Charles’ leadership, mirrors the journey of Ovation International. Both entities began with a vision, faced numerous challenges, achieved feats that had never been achieved before… and ultimately became symbols of success and excellence in their respective fields. Just as Chief Dr. Dele Momodu has become a beacon of pride for Africa in the global media landscape, Dr. Charles Osuji and his firm have become shining examples of what can be achieved by a young immigrant lawyer with no connections in Canada but through hard work and a commitment to uplifting others rise to national recognition in this country.

Through the Foot in the Door Initiative, FIDI, an organization founded to empower internally trained lawyers Charles, our firm’s reach is international, giving incredible opportunities to internationally trained lawyers around the world to gain legal experience so they do not have to spend years writing hundreds of applications as he did before getting a foot in the door into a legal profession.

As a director of the program, we get contacted by lawyers from around the world about the opportunity to be part of the initiative, and we say yes, which gives them the confidence to move to Canada to pursue their legal careers. The impact of the FIDI innovation is truly global.

Our firm is so successful because Charles has assembled an incredible team of legal minds producing first-class work and the most dedicated and brilliant administrative staff. And collectively, we are all determined and dedicated to giving back. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse staff that speaks over 31 languages; by the way, Chief Momodu, we know you are a linguist who speaks several languages. Our ages range from twenties to seventies, and we serve a diverse Canada.

As a result of Charles’ leadership, Nigeria is uplifting others regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality. Over 200 FIDI students from different races have passed through our doors. Osuji & Smith has won landmark cases that established precedents, especially in employment law.

Our firm has won over 105 awards across Canada, and Charles was recognized as one of Canada’s 25 most influential lawyers at age 35.

Chief Dr. Momodu, you have led the way, setting an incredible example for a person like Dr. Charles Osuji—to rise to remarkable heights while keeping your focus on a larger mission: showcasing excellence, rewriting narratives, and creating opportunities for others. Your story continues to impact us even in the diaspora. It reminds us that with vision, determination, and the courage to stand for something greater than ourselves, there are no limits to what we can achieve.

Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, we are deeply honored to welcome you today to Osuji & Smith Lawyers. You are an icon! You inspire us all. Thank you for being a shining example of what is possible and for paving the way for future generations of storytellers, leaders, and change-makers.

Please join me again in giving a warm welcome to the one and only Chief Dr. Dele Momodu! I will now invite Dr. Charles Osuji for a presentation.

References:
https://omojuwa.medium.com/dele-momodu-more-than-meets-the-eye-3f6708022be6

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Chief Dele Momodu has remained a global figure, who has used his media platforms to project the integrity and class of the African continent. And of course, the people of Calgary Alberta, Canada, quite recognized his feat in all ramifications.