Boss Picks

Behold the Aare, Yeye Aare of Iwoland, Chief Dele and Mobolaji Momodu!

Published

4 years ago

October 2, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As his works in the world of professionalism, philanthropy and promotion of the cultural heritage of Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba, continue to make waves, celebrated journalist and philanthropist par excellence, Chief Dele Momodu, has once again been recognised by a revered traditional institution, the Oluwo of Iwo.

In a letter dated August 27, 2021, and signed by the paramount ruler of Iwo Kingdom, HRH Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu l, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Momodu and his wife, Mrs Mobolaji Momodu, were offered the honorary traditional titles of Aare Tayese of Iwoland and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland respectively.

According to the letter, the couple was considered for such great honours as a result of their immense contribution to the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition and mental beneficence through national and international media.

“Having contributed immensely to the promotion of Yoruba culture and tradition, and your mental beneficence through national and international media in ensuring quality governance is delivered, my throne (Oluwo in Council), considered you worthy and most suitable for the honorary chieftaincy title of Aare Tayese of Iwoland, and your wife, Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

It is believed that with the honours, the revered journalist, who is a considered as a progressive, will complement the throne in promoting her mission and vision statements as well as affect the kingdom positively with his mental asset, quality advice, connections and goal getting spirit.

In fact, the respected international citizen had already began his job even as Aare-designate by seeing to the immediate repairs of the Iwo road by FERMA. Momodu’s prompt response at the request of the Oluwo saw the honorable Minister of Works, Mr Babatunde Fashola, mobilising men and materials to site, and the road today is a beauty to behold, and a source of pride to the people of Iwo. Momodu is trustworthy.

In his response however, while wholeheartedly accepting the titles, Momodu had acknowledged the exceptional privilege and expressed gratitude to the Oluwo in Council for recognising his “contributions to national discourse, growth and development through the prism of media practice, entrepreneurship and the fostering of national understanding via social and political networking.”

Momodu pledge that with the new feather, he is sure to keep the flag flying in all mentioned areas, and more especially in the areas of cultural and traditional reawakening.

The ceremony for the conferment of the titles holds at the Oluwo’s Palace in Iwo on Saturday, October 2, 2021.

Chief Dele Momodu, born May 16, 1960, in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, Nigeria, is an African Journalist of high repute and loud acclaim. He is a Publisher, polemicist, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. He is the CEO and Publisher of Ovation International, the flagship celebrity magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world in over 60 countries. He is the Chairman of the Ovation Media Group, comprising of Ovation International magazine, Ovation Television and The Boss newspaper. His media empire has worked assiduously to change the negative perception of Africa as a dark continent of vampires. He is one of the most prolific essayists in Africa and he has authored and published several books in his name. He is one of the biggest voices on the African social media platforms and his Twitter account has over a million followers. He is one of the most photographed celebrities in Africa. Chief Momodu has met and interacted with world leaders. He has received innumerable awards and honours, and garnered recognition for his work in the world of business, politics, literature, music and fashion in which he plays major roles. He has bagged two Doctorates (honoris causa) from Universities in Benin Republic and Ghana. He is a recipient of multiple traditional titles in Nigeria and Liberia.

Chief Momodu is a graduate of the great University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile-Ife). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Yoruba language (1982) and a Master’s degree in English Literature, 1988, from the same University (the first Nigerian ever to attempt such a combination). He has been a political activist for decades and was forced into exile in Great Britain from 1995-98 under the military rule of General Sani Abacha.

Momodu announced his intention to run for the Presidential election in 2011 but lost. He was, until 2020, a Visiting Scholar at Oxford University, England.

Conceptualised and rolled out in London, United Kingdom during one of Momodu’s low periods, OVATION International has ruled the airwaves in celebrity broadcasting since 1996. Momodu has remained a tried, tested and high-profile journalist. The magazine was a child of circumstance because rather than take the short route of eking a living through engaging in menial jobs, Momodu decided to stick to his area of core competence: Journalism. His desire was to publish an African magazine for Africans and create a forum where the real picture of Africa would be presented to the world. OVATION’s main focus then which is still its core value today is the celebration of Africa. That was why the first edition rolled out of the press with Egyptian Billionaire and then owner of Harrods, Mohammed Al-Fayed on the cover. And its pay-off line Loud For A Purpose was a bold testament of its vision and ambition. That first package was uniquely different, breezy and upscale. The edition showed the high standard and lofty dreams of the Publisher and those Directors who helped to fuel his dream. Year after year, cover after cover, the magazine has been able to discover and celebrate Africans all over the globe.

Momodu is not new to traditional honours, however. He is the Bashorun of Oke Ila, as conferred by Oba Adedokun Abolarin, The Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá.

A fiery lawyer, Mike Ozekhome says this about Momodu “Dele Momodu stirs controversy, wittingly and unwittingly. One of these is that people across the globe erroneously believe Dele is a Yoruba man. You cannot blame such people. He appears so. What with Dele’s one sentence-long Yoruba name, Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu (AAOAM)? What of the fact that he was born and bred in the cradle of Yoruba civilization, Ile-Ife? How do you blame anyone for thinking Dele is Yoruba when he is also married to a Yoruba woman and his first degree was actually Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Yoruba language in 1982; before Masters in Literature in 1988?

“So, if you mistake Momodu for a Yoruba man, you could be well forgiven. The truth however, is that Momodu has his pedigree and ancestry in Edo state. Dele is an Edo man of Edoid origin. Pure and simple, he hails from Ihievbe, in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo state. He is therefore of Afenmai extraction like me (I am from Iviukwe, near Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo state). Edo blood runs through the whole veins of Bashorun Dele Momodu.”

Most people have quantified Momodu’s wealth in currency, but Ozekhome explains better: “The wealth of Dele therefore cannot be measured in naira and kobo, Dollars or pounds, yen or Euro and Rouble. It lies in his intellect and his many contributions towards having a better society. Even then, he has solid physical wealth. Palatial mansions? He has them in form of his investment in young Africans!

“You can also not measure Dele’s wealth in the number of presidents, royals, international figures and celebrities he has, over the years, met, interacted, dined and wined with across the globe. No. His writing, especially his Pendulum column, has become a piercing thorn in the flesh of successive governments.”

Momodu, who bagged the Young Professionals and Youth Coalition (YPYC) 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, has been in the forefront of dishing out palliatives to young Africans ever since the coronavirus pandemic erupted. Not only that, he is been involved in literarily everything that has to do with the youths of Africa. Recently, he mediated from his corner, the rift between Nigeria and Ghana as the Ghanaian authorities locked up shops belonging to Nigerian traders over payment of a $1 million fee.

Momodu did not just talk, he followed his talk with action, reaching out financially to over 111 displaced and distressed Nigerian traders in Ghana.

Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!

By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.

A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’

Momodu is not a stranger to awards and honours as he has received hundreds for his work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music industry as well as the fashion industry. On July 30, 2016, Dele was awarded with an honorary doctorate degree (PhD) from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Ghana, earning him the title “Doctor of Humane Letters”.

A fiery and fearless writer, Dele has for years been writing a weekly column, Pendulum, published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper, which he piloted as the founding editor, and TheBoss Newspaper. The articles have been compiled into two volumes of a must read books titled ‘Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu’, and was launched in July 2018.

On December 19, 1992, Dele married his sweetheart, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, who he adores and honours. He lavishly hosted her to a 50th birthday celebration in December 2017, and they are blessed with four children: Pekan (1994), Yole (1996), Eniafe (1997) and Korewa (2004). Today, the four boys are becoming a force to reckon with in their chosen fields.

The celebrates with the great Bob Dee on attainment of one more milestone!

Boss Picks

Imperial Rig Arrives at Obodo-J Slot

Published

5 days ago

November 8, 2025

Eric

Oil industry is awash with news of the arrival of The Imperial drilling rig at Conoil’s OML 150. It is expected to commence a three-year drilling campaign aimed at boosting production of the Obodo crude blend and enhancing reservoir performance.

This milestone speaks to a broader shift in Nigeria’s oil industry, where genuine recovery will come from companies investing in their assets and staying active despite market headwinds.

Boss Picks

Classy Ghanaian Model, Victoria Michaels, Relives Journey of Compassion on Birthday

Published

1 week ago

November 3, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The 4th of November is not just another day on the calender; it is a special day. It is the day beautiful, highly achieving and classy Ghana-born international model, Victoria Michaels Agyeman Duah, was born. And the birthday girl is leaving nothing to chance to give herself the desired blast.

As a result, the model, fondly called Victoria by well wishers, has set aside November 8 for an all inclusive charity event, titled Party in the Park with Victoria Michaels, in conjunction with her foundation, Victoria Michaels Foundation. The aim is to reach out to the less privileged, and give them a sense of belonging.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Michaels noted that it has always been part of her to not only give back to the society, but also follow a passion of attending to the needy and less privileged persons of the society.

“I’m using the occasion of my 2025 birthday to party with, and support the less privileged children in Peri-urban communities.

“There’s an inner joy that cannot be explained, which I derived from being of assistance to the less privileged and needy persons of the society,” she said.

She added, “It wouldn’t speak well of us if at our various birthdays, we just sit in one corner, with celebrated friends and colleagues, enjoying ourselves without a thought to those children struggling to live on other people’s benevolence.

“Who will look after them if we don’t? So the Victoria Michaels Foundation and Victoria Michaels will at all times devote a chunk 9f its resources as enabled by other well meaning individuals, to reach out and touch somebody’s life for the better.

“That’s what this birthday is all about. Yes, that’s what my birthdays are all about; touching lives.”

THE CELEBRATED AMAZON, VICTORIA MICHAELS

Victoria Michaels is an accomplished Sustainability Champion, widely celebrated for her impactful contributions to environmental advocacy and social development. As the EU Goodwill Ambassador in Ghana, she leads initiatives that promote climate action, sustainable development, and green economic growth aligning with global sustainability objectives.

She is the CIO of Fashion Connect Africa and a founding member of VM Consult Limited and serves on the boards of notable organizations, including Victoria Michaels Foundation, Fashion Connect Africa and Goldcard Resources LLC, where She drives policies and Strategies that integrate sustainability into core operations. Victoria has collaborated with global brands such as Vodafone, Emilio Pucci, Alexander McQueen, Roberto Cavali, Luisa Beccaria, Love Moschino,, Pringle of Scotland, Yardley London, Tresmme, Super dry, The Fix SA, Vodacom SA, GUESS, Hertz, Melcom Vlisco, LeasAfric, Bel Aqua, Art Dress by Kofi Ansah, and others, leveraging these partnerships to promote eco-conscious practices.

Her nonprofit, the Victoria Michaels Foundation, focuses on empowering marginalized communities through education and sustainable development programs. The Foundation’ s Africa
Literacy Development Initiative (ALDI) has been instrumental in transforming undereserved communities, with a strong emphasis on environmental awareness and literacy,

Victoria’s commitment to sustainability has earned her prestigious accolades, including Forty Under 40 Achiever in Fashion and Eminent Paragon of the Year. She remains a leading voice in the global sustainability movement, championing innovative solutions for a better future.

Happy birthday the queen of runway and fashion!

Boss Picks

Super 2025 Ofala Festival: How Glo Lit Up Agbogidi’s Onitsha

Published

4 weeks ago

October 20, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Onitsha, one of the commercial nerve centres of the South East region, came alive over the week as a prestigious festival was unleashed on the town, the Glo-sponsored 2025 OFALA FESTIVAL.

A meeting point of cultural reality, the event left nothing to chance as presented a full length entertainment, cultural display, historical values and the invincibility of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), the custodian of the tradition and culture of the Onitsha people.

The week-long Festival, with an overriding theme, NJIKO NA NTACHI (Unity and Perseverance), which started with the historic seclusion of the Agbogidi as tradition demands, pulled through his emergence after many days, in glory, splendour and attendant protective covering over his people.

In the middle of the entire razzmatazz and showcase of cultural grace, was Nigeria’s most sought after communication network, Globacom, who in its tradition, has over two decades been a veritable sponsor of the cynosure of all eyes festival, Ofala.

Communicating its readiness for the fiesta shortly before the event, Globacom has, in a statement sub-titled Celebrating Heritage, Unity and Prosperity.

“Onitsha, the historic commercial hub of Anambra State, is set to once again host the grand spectacle of its famed Ofala Festival. The 2025 edition, themed “Cultural Renaissance and Economic Renewal,” promises to be a vibrant celebration of Igbo heritage, unity, and cultural pride — reaffirming the enduring relevance of tradition in Nigeria’s social and economic landscape. More than a festival, Ofala represents the resilience and identity of the Onitsha people, a timeless gathering where history, spirituality, and community converge.

“At the centre of the celebration is His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha. Under his visionary leadership, Ofala has evolved from a spiritual homecoming into an internationally recognised cultural event that showcases the richness of Igbo civilisation. The festival unites the people in celebration, reinforcing the traditional values and collective spirit that have shaped Onitsha’s identity for generations.

“This year’s theme underscores two intertwined goals — preserving cultural heritage and leveraging it as a catalyst for economic growth. It calls on communities and stakeholders to safeguard indigenous traditions while exploring how cultural assets can drive tourism, creative enterprise, and national development. In a time when Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, the festival provides a blueprint for how culture-led growth can foster sustainable prosperity.

“A cornerstone of the festival’s success is its enduring partnership with Globacom, Nigeria’s indigenous telecommunications giant. For over a decade, Globacom has been a strong supporter of the Ofala Festival, helping to transform it into a globally recognised celebration. The company’s contribution extends beyond sponsorship — it is a strategic alliance grounded in shared values of innovation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

“Through financial, logistical, and technological support, Globacom has enhanced the festival’s organisation, media visibility, and infrastructure. It has also facilitated the digital documentation of Ofala’s heritage, creating a valuable cultural archive for future generations. Igwe Achebe has praised Globacom’s commitment, noting that the partnership reflects the company’s genuine dedication to preserving Nigeria’s cultural diversity and promoting national pride.

“Globacom’s cultural involvement is not limited to Onitsha. The company also supports other landmark festivals, notably the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Its cultural engagement rests on three guiding pillars — cultural preservation, continuity, and community empowerment. These pillars ensure that traditional celebrations remain vibrant, relevant, and economically beneficial to their host communities.

“By investing in these festivals, Globacom helps transform them into platforms for education, social inclusion, and economic opportunity. Its sustained involvement empowers local artisans, performers, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents to wider audiences. This, in turn, generates employment, stimulates tourism, and strengthens local economies — demonstrating how corporate partnerships can meaningfully contribute to cultural sustainability and national development.

“The 2025 Ofala Festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors from within and outside Nigeria. The elaborate processions, royal displays, traditional dances, and artistic performances will once again highlight the splendour of Igbo culture. The influx of guests will significantly boost Onitsha’s economy, benefitting traders, artisans, hoteliers, and transport operators. For young creatives, it provides a platform for storytelling, art, and innovation, reinforcing the festival’s role as both a cultural and economic catalyst.

“Beyond commerce, the Ofala Festival embodies unity and continuity in a rapidly evolving nation. It serves as a reminder that tradition and modernity can coexist — that heritage, when nurtured, becomes a foundation for renewal. As Nigeria seeks new pathways to social cohesion and economic strength, Ofala stands as a symbol of what is possible when communities draw from their roots to build a shared future.

“Ultimately, the 2025 Ofala Festival is more than a celebration — it is a statement of identity, hope, and progress. It affirms that culture is not a relic of the past but a dynamic force that drives innovation, pride, and prosperity. Through the vision of Igwe Achebe and the steadfast support of Globacom, Ofala continues to bridge generations and inspire a renaissance of Nigerian heritage.

“As Onitsha bursts once more with colour, rhythm, and royal grandeur, the Ofala Festival reminds the nation that the strength of its future lies in the richness of its past — that through cultural renaissance and economic renewal, Nigeria can thrive, united in heritage and bound for prosperity.”

Heralding the pre-event activities was the Glo/Youth Carnival, which brought out a good number of the community’s young population, as the showcased culture in dressing, speech, drama and dance. The represented cultures cut across the legend breadth of the Nigerian nation.

The colourful march-pass and rally/Carnival spoke volumes of the unity that rules the Igbo nation, and how much they have, and are passing it across the federation.

AN EVENING WITH GLO

The evening of the day was extremely remarkable as Globacom pulled all the stops to host the community to a first class music fiesta, where a son of the soil, KCEE, the Limpopo King, gave his best to keep the capacity filled CJ Patterson Auditorium, consistently loud, unforgettable and meaningful. The vibe was contagious; the music was rhythmical; the energy was sapping, and the networking topnotch.

It was unarguably the unmistakable touch and advantageous imput of the Glo brand that kept the environment lively.

THE OFALA FESTIVAL (APPEARANCE OF THE AGIDIGBO) – THE IRU OFALA

The festival, held at the Ime Obi, Onitsha, was separated into two major ceremonies, vis-a-vis the Iru Ofala on Friday and the Azu Ofala on Saturday, reliving a time-honoured tradition of the Onitsha people.

Among high-profile guests that graced the events with their presence were the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu; former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; former Governor of Anambra State and former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi; Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Obi Asika, Chairman, Stanel Group, Dr. Stanley Uzochukwu and several others.

In his goodwill message, the Obi of Onitsha lauded Globacom’s long-standing support for the festival, stating: “We thank them for believing in us, and I trust that the mutual benefit that we all derive from the festival will continue to prevail.”

THE AZU OFALA

The festival’s grand finale, the AZU OFALA, was basically set aside for a vibrant community celebration and thanksgiving for an event well done. It was during this event that Globacom made the celebration even more memorable by concluding its special Ofala promo tailored for the Onitsha community.

GLOBACOM’S PRESENTATION OF MOUTHWATERING PRIZES TO WINNERS

Globacom, in its characteristics of expressing its people-oriented attributes, co cluded the 2025 Ofala Festival in Onitsha with spectacular presentation of prize to winners in the Ofala promo.

The telecom giant, which has sponsored the festival for 14 years, added an exciting layer to the traditional celebration through the promo.

The prizes, which were presented to winners selected from the four-week-long promo, included a brand new Kia Picanto, two tricycles (Keke), power generating sets, and grinding machines.

Chidinma Esther Obi, a businesswoman from the 33 area of Onitsha, was the winner of the grand prize—the Kia Picanto. She received the car keys from Onitsha royal chief, Chief Albert Ibekwe (the Odu Osodi), and Globacom’s representative, Tochukwu Okechukwu.

Other fortunate winners included Ibeziakor Onyebuchi Anthony and Ejike Chiememma Gloria, who each went home with a tricycle. Numerous other winners also walked away with essential tools like power generating sets and grinding machines, adding a tangible measure of joy and prosperity to the close of the 2025 Ofala Festival.

GLO’S LUNCHEON TO HONOUR OBI OF ONITSHA

The events concluded with a classic luncheon due for Tuesday, and the whole 2025 Ofala Festival will wind down with a definite bang, and standing ovation for Africa’s first choice communication network, Globacom.