Boss Picks

The Dele Momodu I Know: Patriotic, Democratic, Advocate of Unity

Published

4 years ago

May 15, 2021

Eric

By Sani Sa’idu Baba

It was the late Albanian-Indian Philosopher, Mother Mary Teresa, who said “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”. This ideology epitomizes Chief (Dr.) Dele Momodu.

His popularity, good policies and the various achievements he has recorded particularly in the areas of voluntary commitments to human development, introduce him wherever he finds himself.

However, to set the records straight, I will introduce him in a jiffy.

Born Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, his character reflects the meaning of his name; Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, has enabled him spread joy and happiness to thousands of people including those he never knew or even met in life. He is indeed one of the greatest gift that Nigeria and Africa ever received from God, and many obvious reasons attest to this fact.

He was born in the ancient town of Ile-Ife in 1960, had his education in Ile-Ife; from primary to university level, so he is a typical Ife boy, a heritage he cherishes.

From an errand boy at the CSS Bookshop, Ife, Momodu has come a long way. He lost his father at a very young age of 13, but enjoyed the privilege of been morally raised by his mother, a relatively low educated but highly moralistic mother. Her love for education made her do everything humanly possible to give the best of education to her youngest son, Chief Dr. Dele Momodu.

He later worked at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) Library in 1977, before becoming one of the pioneer JAMBITE in 1978 in the same university. He was admitted to study Yoruba Language and Literature. Many, including his mother made mockery of his course wondering why a Yoruba man would read Yoruba Language in the university. Interestingly, Dele Momodu had his own motive behind his choice and that had till today undoubtedly made him unique in any area of life he ventured into, including journalistism, which has distinguished him in Africa today.

He did his National Youth Service (NYSC) at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife between 1982 and 1983 where he taught A level Yoruba. After that at about 23 years of age he joined Chief Akin Omoboriowo, the then Deputy Governor of Ondo State where he served in the capacity of Private Secretary, but that appointment was short lived as a result of political crisis.

While visiting his boss in detention on a daily basis, he was privileged to meet different high profile Nigerians. GOD was obviously preparing him for a journey. Thereafter, he worked for the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II in 1986 and managed the Motel Royal Limited owned by the monarch before he finally got back to the University of Ife in 1988 and bagged a Masters degree in English Literature. With no employment, the desire to survive forced him to think outside the box, and that was when it dawn on him that he can do a lot with his writing ability. Consequently, he started contributing articles to to newspaper house, notably the Guardian, and Sunday Tribune at a cost of 25 Naira per article.

In May, 1988, Dele Momodu relocated to Lagos in search of greener postures and was first employed by Chief MKO Abiola as a staff writer with African Concord magazine. He spent a year there before moving over to Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff. From then onwards, promotions and appointments became sporadic until he became the highest paid editor in Nigeria. He is indeed a classical example of “hard work pays”.

In the line of duty, the bond between him and his boss, Chief MKO Abiola was strengthened to the extent he practically became his ‘son’. The relationship continued until Abiola’s death. He featured prominently in the quest to reclaim the June 12, 1993 mandate of Abiola, which was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. He has not ceased to be an activist since then even after another military dictator, General Sani Abacha took over power in 1993. He was forced into exile by General Sani Abacha administration, and for three years lived in London, leaving behind his wife and only son in Lagos, Nigeria. He left Nigeria through the Seme border into Cotonou, Benin Republic, from where he fled to Togo, and then Ghana where many of his friends contributed to help him relocate to the United Kingdom, where some of the June 12 campaigners like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were taking shelter.

It was during this period that a new page was opened in his life, and that is the birth of Ovation international magazine” in 1996.

After his return to Nigeria, everything took shape and his ovation international magazine continued to gain momentum, covering events almost everywhere in the globe.

In 2011, he took a giant leap when he unveiled his ambition to run for the president of Nigeria having observed unhealthy state of the nation. He stated during an interview with Funmi Iyanda the 10th episode of Public Eye Live, a show that airs every Friday on Instagram Live that “I contested in that 2011 presidential elections because of frustration” and that he was tired of lamenting like Jeremiah. His decision to contest was also greatly influenced by the emergence of Barack Obama as U.S president due to some similarities in their situations.

Meeting Dele Momodu was accidental but interesting. I made a statement on social media, twitter in particular and the statement was advocating for unity of Nigeria as country, and fortunately for me he saw my post because others retweeted and the next thing I saw was a message in my DM asking me to drop my phone number. I was honestly excited, and I did. After some few hours he called me and commended me for my love and advocacy for unity of our country. He told me categorically that unity of Nigeria has always been his uncompromising priority and that he loves all Nigerians irrespective of our differences.

Since then, Dele Momodu became my mentor, friend and father; his fatherly treatment has been so amazing to the extent that he reaches out to me and my family and I reach out to him and his family also. In fact, we communicate almost every day. He has influenced me so significantly that it’s as if he is more concerned about my progress than I am. And guess what? We have NEVER met physically. The closest arrangement he had was truncated by the COVID-19 lockdown. Through him, I got to know many great Nigerians and Africans. By my understanding, Momodu is one of the detribalized elites in Nigeria. It is disheartening to hear people selfishly accuse him of advocating disunity just because he tells truth to power, which happens to be in the hands of a northerner. He did the same to Goodluck Jonathan. I think only hypocrites accuse him because he has been pro-North on so many issues, especially on how to arrest the Almajiri system that bedeviled the nooks and crannies of the North.

Of all the good qualities I have learnt from this great mentor, the four cardinal principles of life, stand out. These cardinal principles are; intellectual honesty, ability to conquer fears without tears, dedication beatified with vigour and prudence and above all, the unquenchable light of hope, which originated from sound moral and spiritual values.

In my relationship with Dele Momodu, not only as his mentee, but also as his disciple and friend, I have known him to be a good listener, a reliable person (in secret and in public), humble in the truest meaning of the word, forgiving even at the face of the greatest provocation, a dogged fighter against injustice and conservatism, a guide to thousands of people irrespective of their social status, and above all, trustworthy. Needless to say that, unity advocacy is one important things that he is best known for. As he always claim that if President Buhari can do only one thing in his eight years in office, he will be satisfied, and that is to unite Nigeria.

In some of his radical weekly PENDULUM, he petitioned the president about several issues of national concern, unity of the country included. The edition of July 18, 2020 titled “Is the President Aware this House is Falling” and January 24, 2021 titled “Who Shall Tell the President Nigeria is Dying” and lot more where he lamented bitterly about both moral and intellectual decay of the bond that united Nigerians as a nation, with particular reference to security, corruption, promotion of mediocrity at the expense of people with great ideas, nepotism and favoritism. This he did without fear for surely, he was convinced that he was fighting for the truth.

In the opening part of the letter, he made it clear that the country called Nigeria is dying where he particularly mentioned that ‘Fellow Nigerians, please take note of the title of my column this week. I did not say Nigerians are dying. That is stale news, as well as an understatement. My focus is that the country called Nigeria is dying. I do not know what sort of security briefing President Muhammadu Buhari, regularly or periodically receives from his obviously reticent and incompetent security team. I doubt it includes the fact that Nigeria is speeding towards a monumental collapse, unless a miracle, or something drastic is done to stop this supersonic drift towards perdition’.

Dele Momodu initially began to give up to the extent that he declared to go on voluntary sabbatical on January 25, 2020, from advising and telling the government of today the truth, before his more than three decades of tireless spirit of patriotism made him rethink. He wrote with the hope that the government will take prompt measures to restore the confidence of the Nigerian people in the leadership, and re-establish a more respectable administrative machinery in the various sectors in the country. We could all recall that Dele Momodu offered himself as a voluntary advisor, telling Mr President the truth that his paid advisors and others in the corridors of power might not. What better way could he have used to show his selfless nature and high patriotism?

For his unwavering nationalism and love for Africa irrespective of race, gender, tribe or religion, Dele Momodu was conferred with many traditional titles not only in Nigeria but Africa at large. He was appointed a fellow, Africa Public Relations Association (APRA) in April, 2019. He is also a fellow and scholar at the center for African development, Oxford University, United Kingdom. He has also presented many academic papers both at national and international level.

Dele Momodu is also the author of two books, and there is another written on him, which in my opinion is great, is titled “Fighting Lions”. On the international stage, Dele Momodu has participated in many programmes, especially on Africa development and as a pan-Africanist. He contributed largely to reconciling the unfortunate happenings in his second country, Ghana between Nigerian traders and the government of Ghana. He also lent his voice in the fight against Apartheid Policy in South Africa. Furthermore, his unprecedented effort towards understanding national issues and bringing out solutions cannot not be overemphasized. Particularly in April 2020 when Nigeria joined many other countries to lock down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Dele Momodu came up with a first of its kind idea, by interviewing many high profile and prominent Nigerians of high pedigree to discuss national issues, and suggest possible ways of moving Nigeria forward.

Among those featured were Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State Governor, and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke and the Vice President of Liberia, Her Excellency Jewel Howard-Taylor among others. He came to the financial aid of thousands of Nigerians irrespective of tribes, region or religion as palliatives to cushion the impact of the pandemic, and that was interestingly done with equal representations from all the 36 states.

Momodu has grown many mentees including myself, and helping them to reach the apogee of their successes. He derives much pleasure in giving, and helping others irrespective of their tribes or religion. He probably adopted the saying of his boss, Chief MKO Abiola, that the hand of a giver is always on top. He tells truth to power always, and tirelessly, irrespective of the cost, and supports leaders irrespective of region or religion. His support for a Northerner, President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, against a Southerner former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is enough evidence. Although he is today aggressively criticized and blamed for his actions, but he has justified why he supported him and finally apologized to Nigerians. He did that with very good intentions. This is why I see people criticizing him for not being on the same page with Buhari as ignoramuses. Momodu’s love for Nigeria is truly non-negotiable.

Imagine our Nigeria without the likes of Dele Momodu vis-à-vis helping others, telling truth to a failed administration; it would be akin to a paralysed state. It would also mark the end of an era, separating a moral past and a delusive present.

As far as I am concerned, Dele Momodu is ‘a spiritual strength, an honest, generous and nice human being to know and to relate with.

This great man will be 61 years old on May 16, 2021 and I honestly feel that his birthday is worth celebrating by all Africans to appreciate such a huge gift by GOD. I celebrate him with my entire family.

I wish the Capo Di Tutti a happy birthday. May your tomorrow be better than your today sir!

Boss Picks

Celebrating a Man of Outstanding Excellence, Ademola Adeleke

Published

1 week ago

November 30, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“Since I assumed office, I have devoted myself majorly to delivering on our five-point agenda. I deploy my network locally and nationally in support of our noble projects and programmes for Osun. I am elated that our contributions are being noticed” – Governor Adeleke

In May 2024, two historical events took place to further cement the tag of ‘Performing Governor’, for which the Governor of Osun State, Asiwaju (Senator) Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, is known, and justifiably so. They include the conferment of the Asiwaju of Edeland title on him by his community, represented by the Timi of Ędę, HRH Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal (Laminisa 1), as well as the best governor of the year award conferred in him by the Vanguard Newspaper.

The prestigious Asiwaju title was previously held by Governor Adeleke’s elder brother, Isiaka Adeleke, who passed away on April 23, 2017.

Today, two years into his administration as the Number One Citizen of Osun State, Governor Adeleke has proved all doubting Thomases wrong, and lifted the state from comatose to prominence with verifiable, welfaristic and people-oriented projects that speak for themselves.

Recall that while stating the reasons behind his award as the Governor of the year, the General Editor, Vanguard Newspaper, Mr Jide Ajani, has said the governor’s attention to Infrastructural development of the state, has been topnotch, with special emphasis to his approval of infra upgrades of several tertiary institutions in the state.

The governor, in his humility, dedicated the award to the entire people of Osun State.

“We watched the video with the Vice Chancellor listing several approvals and even with the Governor asking the University to look into what other areas of intervention the state should act on. That video excites our curiosity and we proceeded to investigate further by leveraging on our team on ground here in Osun as well as a team from the headquarters.

“We discovered what the Vice Chancellor said in the video was a tip of the iceberg. Osun is indeed a huge construction site. You have continued to complete abandoned projects. You have completed many inherited projects from your predecessors

“We have your records on roads, bridges, water, school and health center upgrades among others. We read your multi-billion naira infrastructure plan and its ongoing implementation. You did not play politics with the development of your state.

“It is the totality of your passion for development that convinced the judges to confer the award on you. It is our hope that this recognition will spur you to an even greater push to deliver on your governance agenda”, Ajani had said.

In response, the Governor acknowledged as follows:

“Since I assumed office, I have devoted myself majorly to delivering on our five point agenda. I deploy my network locally and nationally in support of our noble projects and programmes for Osun. I am elated that our contributions are being noticed.

“I dedicate this award to the good people of Osun state. They made our positive records a reality. We have the unconditional support and love of our people in our push to take Osun to greater heights. I will personally attend the conferment in Lagos.

“Our government is forging ahead with our systematic physical and stomach infrastructure agenda. We are working on a new airport, an inland beach resort, cocoa sector revival, upgrade of the free trade zone for agro-industrialisation, robust climate change agenda and digital economy programme. We are on a mission to place Osun on the path of sustainable development”, the Governor told the visiting delegation.

THE MAN, ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE

Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.

Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.

In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.

To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.

A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.

It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.

Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.

Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.

Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election after the death of his brother, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State after defeating Akin Ogunbiyi by seven votes. Efforts made to deprive him of the mandate was twated by the courts.

Adeleke’s lawyer in his defense claims his secondary school hasn’t come out to deny his testimonial asking the court to dismiss the Case. The court dismissed the suit stating that the plaintiff could not prove Adeleke’s forgery.

Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.

Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019

Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.

Governor Adeleke is married to an equally successful businesswoman and a self-made boss. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.

As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing.

ADELEKE’S EXTRAORDINARY EASE OF DOING BUSINESS STRATEGY

The governor has shared good news on the ease of doing business in the state as follows:

In continuation of our administration’s effort to improve the state economy and encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), we have completed the harmonization of multiple taxes and levies collected by different government departments, agencies, and ministries across all business sectors of the state economy including the informal sectors into a single bill. This Harmonized Bill curates all levies, which businesses are expected to pay on an annual basis as a single bill.

This initiative is to promote ease of doing business by ensuring seamless and convenient payment of levies and taxes due to individuals and businesses across the state in equal or unequal tranches and ensure the issuance of Harmonized Bill Certificate upon completion of payment of the total amount.

I hereby note to all business owners in Osun state both in formal and informal sectors that the official online payment channels for the state is pay.irs.os.gov.ng; POS machines in Tax stations across the state; commercial banks across Nigeria; and Money Transfer Services for those outside Nigeria.

In addition, we have also completed the deployment of Automation System for improved service delivery on payment of rent and lease on government properties; processing of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in 45 days; Electronic Affidavit System; Electronic State of Origin and Local Government Area of Origin portal; Mobile tax stations; Online Tax payment system etc.

ADMINSTRATION’S ACHIEVEMENTS AS SHARED ON NEW YEAR DAY

The governor declared as follows:

The good people of Osun state at home and abroad.

I greet you warmly with best wishes of a prosperous and blessed new year. I convey my intimate prayers that the new year will bring us new opportunities, progress and advancement as a state and in our individual lives.

I extend new year greetings to the elders of Osun state; to our royal fathers; to our religious leaders; to the young and the old; to professional elite, to artisans, to students and to womenfolk. Accept my sincere appreciation for your support before my election and for the last one year of my governorship of our dear state. I am humbled by your prayers and mass backing for our administration.

I remain firmly focused on the Five Point Agenda under which you, Osun people, elected us into office. We reaffirm our faith in the principles guiding the five point agenda which are transparency and accountability, open government, localisation, responsive leadership and attunement to citizens’ aspirations.

On the strength of the above, our government devised wholesale approach to governance such as:

●Dismantling bobby traps planted by our predecessor,
●Blocking leakages in public finance, ●Addressing the corruption and revenue diversion in the solid mineral sector,
● Restoring local government administration for grassroot development
● Embarking on mass water project provision
● Executing 91 kilometers of road construction
● Implementing free medical surgeries with over 50,000 beneficiaries;
● Total renovation of 31 schools
● Launching sport sector reforms
● Reviving the major commercial and industrial projects of the state
● Pushing for implementation of agric processing zone in Osun state;
● re-professionalisation of the public service;
● Strong attention to workers’ welfare;
● Tapping into tourism, entertainment and cultural potentials of the state;
● Ramping up efforts for a cargo and commercial airport for Osun state, among others.

Our administration achieved a lot by ensuring belt tightening, reducing cost of governance and denying ourselves many perquisites of office. As a Governor, my official expenditures are covered through the approval process rather than security votes, thereby assuring transparency and accountability.

As of today, our administration is struggling to purchase official vehicles for the state cabinet because the officials of the previous government bolted away with state vehicles. So our cabinet and other top officials have been using their private cars since we appointed them into office. Also, we are still working to renovate the official quarters vandalized by the officials of previous governments. Many of our top officials still operate from their private houses.

Despite the above handicap, our team is determined to continue to deliver on our electoral promises. I am glad to report with gratitude to God that we have remained responsive to the will and aspirations of our people. We get positive feedback and we are satisfied with our high approval ratings.

We are challenged to do more. We are prepared to make corrections where necessary as much as we will remain uncompromising when it comes to anti-corruption drive, transparency and accountability as well due process. As I always affirm, our tenure is married to rule of law and fear of God…

Adeleke is busy creating an Eldorado out of what remained of Osun State barely two years after he took over the driving seat.

Boss Picks

When Governor Adeleke Became Asiwaju of Edeland

Published

1 week ago

November 30, 2024

Eric

By Governor’s Office

OFFICIAL PROFILE OF GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE, THE NEW ASIWAJU OF EDELAND

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state and the new Asiwaju of Edeland is a pan Nigerian by birth, by philosophy and by worldview. Born at Enugu as a son of independence on 13th May, 1960, the new Ede frontliner widely acknowledged as the Olosun of Osun is a tactical politician, a businessman, show business activist and a humanist within philanthropism. The ever lively, urbane scion of the Adeleke family of Ede North Local Government is an innovative entrepreneur, a grassroot political figure and a strong advocate of good governance, then as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now as the Governor of Osun State.

From his childhood, the Asiwaju is a man of complex character, a young man with multiplicity of talents and an adult with widely praised open heart, strong will and constancy of adaptation to ideas and innovations. From his secondary education at Ede Muslim Grammar School to his sojourn to the United States and tertiary education at the Jacksonville State University, Alabama where he majored in criminal justice, the Ede frontliner demonstrated deep business interest, unconventional approach and a rare mastery of intricacies of politics, business and social life.

Despite hailing from a well to do family, the Asiwaju was in the United States and Nigeria, a man in search of opportunities for self growth and advancement. His passion for self development and business prosperity occasioned his joining the Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor between 1985–1989. He progressed to Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company where he served as Vice President from 1990 to 1994.

A suave businessman and administrator, he served as a Director of Guiness Nigeria Limited between 1992- 1999 where he contributed immensely to the expansion of the multinational company. He was later appointed Group Executive Director of Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016. Senator Adeleke is also an acclaimed creative Industry entrepreneur and mentor. As a talented creative figure, he mentored world rated ace musicians while his family members and children are leading stars in the global music industry.

As a man ever restless in pursuit of self growth and opportunities, the Asiwaju again opted to restart his educational sojourn which he suspended because of business and entrepreneurial preoccupations. In 2019 after he was rigged out of a governorship election he clearly won, Governor Adeleke, in a can do spirit, re-enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice in 2021.

All along and considering his family background, the frontliner was for years both a political servant and leader, learning the rope from his father (Senator Ayoola Adeleke) , a second republic progressive Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his brother, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the First Executive Governor of Osun State. His business teeth were sharpened by his brother, the global business mogul, Dr Adedeji Adeleke while his political potency was strengthened by his sister, the Yeyeluwa of Edeland, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Adeleke- Sanni. The celebrant of today was eventually elected the President of the Adeleke dynasty, representing the sons and daughters of the great Adeleke family at home and abroad.

Having been thus fortified by his innate personality, his family background and his multifaceted experience, his political participation predated 1991 but he took the front seat in 2017 when he was elected with a landslide victory as a Senator for Osun West Senatorial District in 2017. His popularity reached a peak when he won the Osun 2018 governorship election before the open rigging and manipulation that was globally condemned.

As a man of steel character, the frontliner took the gauntlet again in 2022 and beat the incumbent to reclaim the stolen mandate of 2018. Imole as the Governor is popularly known has since been delivering on good governance, winning applause and praises from far and near.

In December 2023, he was honoured with a doctorate degree by the Valley View University, Accra, Ghana. The Vice Chancellor lauded the Governor’s multi-million naira education scholarship as a Senator, his sterling records on workers welfare as a Governor, his performance on infrastructure upgrades and his commitment to due process, rule of law and fear of God.

He has received several awards including the Governor of the Year Award by Champion newspapers in 2023, Sahel Standard Man of the Year in 2022, Vanguard Newspaper Governor of the Year on Infrastructure and a host of other recognition. The frontliner serves on several national governmental committees including being the representative of the South West on the National Minimum Wage Committee.

The new Asiwaju of Edeland is a strong family man, an avid sport lover, a man of God and a David of our time with incessant passion for praise singing and adulation of God Almighty.

Courtesy: Governor’s Office, 2024.

Boss Picks

Season of Awards: Renowned Publisher, Dele Momodu, Revels in Deserved Honours

Published

3 weeks ago

November 18, 2024

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”

The reward for hardwork is always more work, and more work is always a function of recognition. One man has over the years dedicated his life to hard work in his chosen field of endeavour, and impacting lives positively for today and for the future. He is Aare Dele Momodu, Publisher and Chairman, Ovation Media Group.

As a result of his humane and philanthropic approach to life and in management of people and resources, Aare Momodu, a veteran journalist and a frontline social and public commentator, has been at the forefront of receiving accolades both from within the shores of Nigeria and abroad.

In recent times, the journalist-cum-part time politicial has been inundated with massive flow of awards from various groups and establishments; coming in galore and avalanche.

Not long ago, on October 9, at the Oriental Hotel, in Lagos, the celebrated journalist, was named the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) Media Icon of the Decade for his contribution to the field of journalism as well as lifting budding journalists to reach their desired heights.

The award was presented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who was the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the occasion, assisted by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Onikan, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, among other dignitaries.

In her remarks at the presentation, the Honourable Minister praised the Ovation boss for his continuous to journalism, projecting African business and political leaders as well as other Nigerians in a positive light.

“We thank you Mr Ovation for all you do and continue to do. You deserve the award, and I happily present it to you,” the Minister, who reminisced with gusto the season Ovation covered her event, said.

In his response, an elated Dele Momodu, expressed gratitude to the executives and members of NAOSNP, whom he modestly described as ‘colleagues’, for considering him for the award, saying that it is always a thing of joy when your own constituency acknowledges your good works, and shows appreciation.

“I thank the members of this association for this award. It is fulfilling when your own colleagues remember you, and support you with an award of thus type. I thank the honorable minister for being available to present it to me. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said with a sense of patriotism.

That did not only follow up a flow of Awards, but opened another floodgates of honours. On November 9, at the Golden Gate Chinese Restaurant, Momodu bagged another award as the Philanthropist Icon of the Year, he dedicated to all Nigerians, who are going through one hardship or another in the present dispensation. The award presented by Supreme Magazine, at its annual Supreme Special Recognition Awards (SUSRA).

Also on the list of forthcoming awards, Aare Momodu will on Thursday, November 22 at American Corner, Lekki, be awarded with the Global Merit Award on Social Media Impact and Talent Promotion by the Silec Initiatives Group.

Also on November 29, Momodu will, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, be recognised for his contributions to humanity at the Nigerian Most Influential Awards and Symposium 2024.

And on December 1, 2024, at Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja will decorated with the Megastar Media Icon of the Decade.

Also on December 1 2024 Momodu will be awarded with the prestigious Celebrity African Cultural Fashion Award, in Abuja.

He has been nominated alongside other distinguished Nigerians including Richard Mofe Damijo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Earl Osaro and Obi Cubana.

According to Ambassador Judith Swaiubu, the Chief Coordinating Officer of the event, the Momodu and the others have made significant contributions towards promoting African culture.

“These individuals have made significant contributions to promoting African culture and fashion, both locally and internationally. We are honored to recognize their achievements.”

The Celebrity African Cultural Fashion Award aims to celebrate outstanding individuals who have showcased exceptional style, creativity, and dedication to African cultural heritage.

Momodu’s awards and recognitions are numerous and counting, all owing to his selfless contributions to the upliftment of the man on the street, and impact on the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Born on May 16, 1960, in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Chief Dele Momodu, a distinguished African Journalist of high repute, fulfills the dictates of impeccability in credentials, testimonials and track record.

A publisher, businessman, philanthropist, and more, he runs the highly rated Ovation International Magazine, a member of the Ovation Media Group, that has given publicity to numerous personalities. Others in his line of publications are Ovation Television and The Boss Newspaper.

Momodu has redefined negative perceptions of Africa, profiling positively African personalities, using his X, Instagram and more, where his followership runs into millions.

A former presidential candidate, Momodu has a degree in Yoruba, from the Obafemi Awolowo University and Doctorates (honoris causa) from various universities, with multiple traditional titles.

He is well traveled, and has visited over 69 countries of the world.

He is married, with four children.