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Glamour, Fanfare As Veteran Journalist, Dele Momodu, Launches Three Books in Honour of MKO Abiola

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8 years ago

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By Eric Elezuo

The multi-purpose hall of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) Victoria Island Lagos, was a beehive of activities Wednesday as the accomplished journalist and social commentator, Bashorun Dele Momodu, presented three great books in honour of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Chief Moshood Abiola.  The books are Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 1, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 2 and Fighting Lions: The Untold Story Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign authored by his campaign manager in 2011, Ohimai Godwin Amaize.

Hajia Bola Shagaya and Mr. Femi Otedola

With the who is who in Nigerian’s political, social and industrial platforms present, the thorough written books hit the public domain, cheered by a large crowd of audience that besieged the arena.

The event, which took off at the exact time promoted, kick-started with the introduction of highly influential personalities presented as the national anthem chimed the air afterwards.

Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi paying homage to the keynote speaker, Pastor Tunde Bakare

With the stage set for the real event, the Keynote Speaker, who is the Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, took centre stage, heaping one term of endearment on the Ovation Magazine Publisher after another. He stated that Momodu has intensified his contributions so that Nigeria can rise up potential of a great nation regardless of whoever is in government. And that  dogged in the Nigerian dream has brought us together today at at time when the countdown clock to the 2019 election and the Nigerian dream is yet addressed, and the structural defect glaringly acute,” he said.

Mr. Jimi Agbaje (m)

He described the present dispensation as a critical period in the Nigerian national life, and quoting a former French warrior, Napoleon Bonaparte, he described the journalist thus a “journalist is a grumbler, a censorer, a giver of advice, a regent of sovereigns and a tutor of nations; four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets,” he said.

A cross section of the audience

He maintained the at “the writings of Dele Momodu has over the years addressed the fundamental issues facing our nation, stating that he was confident that the likes of Momodu will intensify efforts to ensure that the welfare and security of the people as well as the overall development of our people becomes the main discourse at this pivotal moment.”

Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi, Chief Dele Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hajia Bola Shagaya

Bakare’s heartwarming speech set the stage for short interview with the man of the moment, Dele Momodu, conducted by veteran broadcaster and founder of the first women radio station, Toun Okewale.

Chief Dele Momodu flanked by members of MKO Abiola family

While fielding Okewale’s questions, Momodu took time out to explain the person behind MKO Abiola, his vision for the Nigerian people and everything he stood for, thanking as many that stood behind the enigma as the June 12 crisis lasted.

Afterwards, seasoned broadcasters programmed to review the three books took their turns to give a critical analysis of the work most people described as superlative.

Taking his turn first was the Chairman, Editorial Board, ThisDay Newspapers, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, who went down memory lane the life and times of the Dele Momodu.

He was followed by Mr. Simon Kolawole, Publisher, TheCable, who reviewed the second book, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu 2 while the Managing Director, Arise News Channel, Ms Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu did a thorough job in the dissertation of the third book, Fighting Lions: The Untold Story of Dele Momodu’s Presidential Campaign.

Dele Momodu and Auodele Adewale

Nwaogwugwu revealed the frustrations, as represented by the author, which Momodu suffered while attempting to become the president of Nigeria in 2011. Some of which include the part played his primary constituency, the media, who wrote him out of contention.

The highlight of the event was the short speech presentation by the Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola, where he highlighted the sure steady steps that brought Dele Momodu to his present status.

Princess Toyin Kolade exchanges pleasantries with distinguished guests

With speeches done, the compere, Gbenga Adeyinka, the First, supervised the unveiling of the books to the applause of the teeming supporters of Momodu and Ovation Group.

The book launch proper was another exercise in professionalism as personality after personality stepped out boldly, took a good number and make generous donations.

Dayo Adeneye, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, Siji Ogundele, Representative of the Alafin of Oyo and Chief Dele Momodu

The event paraded the best Nigerian society could offer including Mr. Jimi Agbaje, who represented a former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; Mr. Dayo Adeneye, who represented the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru;  Hajia Bola Shagaya, Chairman of Forte Oil, Mr. Femi Otedola; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Ambassador Akin Osuntokun, Amb. Toyin Okanlawon, Chief of Staff to the Lagos Speaker House of Assembly, Hon. Wale Jafojo, former Vice Presidential Candidate, Tanko Yanusa; Chairman of Eleganza Group, Chief Razaq Akanni Okoya; Mr. Ajanaku, Special Adviser to Governor Akinwumi Ambode, Lagos Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Mr. Bisoye Fagade, Dare Babarinsa, Biodun Ponle, Oluwatoyin Seriki, Founder of Esther Ajayi Foundation, Reverend Mother Esther Ajay; CEO, BISCOM, Prince Bisi Olatilo, and Princess Toyin Kolade.

Chief Dele Momodu with Mr. Ade Adebajo (r)

Others were Mrs. Falake Ani-Mumuney, former Chairman of Amuwo Odofin LGA, Comrade Ayo Adewale; Gboyega Okegbenro, Funmi Odunsi, A. U. Mustapha (SAN), Senator Tokunboh Afikuyomi, Princess Aderemi Ogunsanya, Mrs. Modupe Oguntade, Olori Ladun Sijuade, Dr. Kayode Are, CEO, UT Group, Mr. Ayo Adebajo; Richard Mofe Damijo, Sir Tony Chiejine who represented Alhaji Aliko Dangote; CEO, Tetrazzini, Chief Donatus Okonkwo, Mr. Siji Ogundele, Senator Solomon Adeola, Chief Tony Okoroji among others.

 

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2027: We’re on Track, ADC Hails S’Court Ruling

Published

1 day ago

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May 1, 2026

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that it would never be intimidated, distracted, or silenced in its push to realize a better Nigeria.

Spokesman of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said this in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed David Mark’s leadership of the party.

Abdullahi said the judgment has affirmed that the Mark and Rauf Aregbesola leadership of the party is legitimate.

Abdullahi said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) congratulates all our members and leaders across the country on today’s Supreme Court ruling which affirmed the leadership of our party under Senator David Mark as National Chairman, and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

“Today’s decision is a clear affirmation that our party, its structures, and its leadership under our National Chairman, Senator Mark, and our National Secretary, Ogbeni Aregbesola, are legitimate.

“We commend the five-man panel of the Supreme Court, whose unanimous judgment has today done great credit to the judiciary in our country and our political system.

“However, while we welcome this judgment, we do not mistake it for the end of the struggle. The events leading up to this moment have exposed a troubling pattern of interference, bad faith, and attempts to weaken opposition voices in Nigeria.

“Let it be clearly stated: the ADC will not be intimidated, distracted, or silenced. We remain resolute in our mission to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“We therefore urge all our members, supporters, and democratic stakeholders across the country to remain vigilant.”

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Tinubu Appoints Bianca Ojukwu As Foreign Affairs Minister

Published

3 days ago

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April 29, 2026

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The announcement was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

The appointment followed the resignation of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in preparations for the 2027 elections.

According to the statement, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s elevation marks a return to a more senior role within Nigeria’s foreign service architecture, having previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Her new appointment places her at the helm of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, where she is expected to oversee the country’s foreign policy direction, strengthen international partnerships, and advance economic diplomacy objectives.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who stepped down to participate in the 2027 elections.

“Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The Presidency noted that the decision forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework for greater efficiency and stronger global engagement. It added that the new minister is expected to deepen diplomatic relations, promote Nigeria’s national interest, and ensure the welfare of Nigerians abroad remains a priority.

In the same announcement, President Tinubu also nominated Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Enikanolaiye, from Kogi State, previously served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations. He is a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign affairs system and has held key postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London, and New Delhi.

The Presidency said the appointments are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture and improve the country’s global diplomatic engagement.

 

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu is a lawyer, diplomat, and former beauty queen who has had a long career in public service and international diplomacy.

She was born on 5 August 1967 in Anambra State and studied law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after attending the Nigerian Law School in Lagos.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio in Spain, as well as postgraduate diplomas in Human Rights and International Relations from the Berg Institute, Madrid, and in Dynamics of Conflict and Cooperation from the University for Peace in Costa Rica.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Diaspora Matters and later became Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain from 2012 to 2015, where she also represented the country at the UN World Tourism Organization. She earlier served as Ambassador to Ghana.

She was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in October 2024 by President Bola Tinubu, where she supported Nigeria’s external affairs portfolio, including diplomacy, consular engagement, and international relations strategy. She has now been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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2027: Lagos APC Guber Aspirant Rejects Hamzat As Consensus Candidate

Published

3 days ago

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April 29, 2026

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All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Samuel Ajose, has declared that the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) will not stand.

GAC, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, endorsed Hamzat, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, indicating an early alignment within the ruling party ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Speaking after the session, GAC leader, Tajudeen Olusi, said members unanimously agreed on Hamzat, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain and build on the state’s developmental progress.

Olusi explained that the meeting was convened to deliberate on the party’s forthcoming primaries and assess the governorship position ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking about the GAC adoption of Hamzat as Lagos APC consensus 2027 governorship candidate on Arise News on Tuesday, Ajose said that Sanwo-Olu and others are trying to force President Tinubu into making a decision.

“I don’t think our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is giving in to what they are doing.

“What they are just trying to do is to coerce him into taking a decision, and I don’t think that decision will stand.”

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