Opinion

Dele Momodu: Mr. Ovation and His Iconic Cultural Politics

Published

4 years ago

October 21, 2021

Eric

By Toyin Falola

There is no aspect of contemporary Western civilization practices or politics that appears alien to African people, as anthropological studies have revealed in the current time. Differences exist in their systems and approaches to issues of social and political significance, but this does not underwrite the fact that similarities abound in areas of human interrelationship where groups of people use philosophy to construct their ideological and ethical identity. Take, for example, in academics, honors are conferred on individuals who have made substantial efforts for the advancement of scholarship and application of intellectual properties to improve their immediate environment and transform their spheres of influence. The honor conferred on them is an indication that the society is aware of their outstanding contributions to the betterment of the society and that they appreciate the simple fact that they are members of their particular socio-academic group. In essence, outstanding accomplishments are indirectly expected of all members of society to imbibe the culture of being useful for the collective transformation of their people.

Such practices have existed in the continent of Africa from time immemorial. Particular observation of how this is done reveals that such recognition does more than confer honor on individuals whose efforts have radically and rapidly revolutionized their society. Indeed, bestowing honor on outstanding individuals in the traditional, and maybe the contemporary African society is informed by the understanding that they are not only giving the society a befitting honor but also creating an environment that is essentially suitable for the enhancement of healthy competition, in which others are indirectly encouraged to consider better ways to contribute to the collective course of the society.

When accorded this social and cultural recognition, the ensuing social ceremony is a trademark that specializes the individuals recognized and the family that raised them. This is why relatives of individuals recognized for their exemplary importance in the advancement of society share from that honor within the socio-cultural geography of the place where they have been honored. This does not happen in the Western world, where someone with a Ph.D. gets the honor for themselves, not their family. In essence, the African honorary recognition builds a social fabric that would be important for the establishment and sustenance of good moral conduct that would help the people move beyond their current trajectory, rather than a decoration of the individual singled out.

For example, someone honored with the Jagun (warrior) chieftaincy title is given a social responsibility for the rejuvenation of the security architecture of the society so that the people of the community are protected from perennial challenges. Such recognition has placed positive pressure on the family members and associates of the honoree because their identity is inevitably tied to the individual’s success, and, naturally, no one would expect a negative image for themselves as that would give them an unbefitting image. From this, a generational responsibility is accepted by the individual’s family members, and they begin to develop the society through whatever help they can offer in that respect.

Photo: Chief Dele Momodu

Source: Oyo News

For Chief Dele Momodu, the conferment of chieftaincy titles on him serves to recognize his outstanding contributions to humanity and to remind others of the responsibility ahead of them. As the Oni Gege Ara of Ijogaland in Ogun State, a honor and professional title bestowed on him about 15 years ago that particularly recognizes his efforts in journalism; the Owanusi of Imeri Kingdom in Ondo State, a leadership title; the Onone Kura 1 of Abia State, which means the voice of the masses, among other things, connotes that the honoree is aa valued member of the society. Beyond the fanfare of celebrations that come with these titles is the social engineering system that it actually serves. Although from the surface of it, the chieftaincy titles appear to be recognition for the fantastic ways he continues to engage the society and encourage them to embrace a particular philosophical direction, this does not negate the fact that recognitions of this type are meant to play some cultural and political roles that would improve the conditions of the society. For example, where he was recognized as Onigege Ara, what remains sacrosanct is that through his profession as a journalist, Dele Momodu charges the society to understand the vast responsibility ahead of them and brazen up to rise to their social duties.

Cultural politics is evident because the journalism profession has been awarded the grand recognition of its importance in building society. Without firing any bullet, Dele Momodu challenges the society in areas where they are not performing as expected. Consider, for example, the title conferred on him in Abia State as the voice of the voiceless is an indictment of the society that is notoriously antagonistic of contending perspectives. People who challenge the authority are seen as potential dissidents with hideous intents to accuse the community leaders or sabotage their actions, and that they deserve to be hacked down because of this evil mindset. Whereas such name-calling did not exist in the past African traditions, and because the people are evolving to accommodate current changes, they devised a means of combating rising political actions that wanted to undermine a democratic culture in which individuals would have a say in the political process of their community. The understanding that this could be achieved simply by recognizing courageous individuals who have defied such an undemocratic structure affirms the assumption that African iconic cultural politics still exists. Therefore, the recognition achieved two purposes: one, it praised the individuals who pulled off that fearless feat, and two, it told the society that is unaccommodating of plural views of the potential repercussions of its rigidity.

Consequently, the conferment of these titles to outstanding African individuals is a telltale sign that they consciously use that system to build their social identity. In contemporary times, they use it as a cultural instrument for negotiating their political space so that their indigenous epistemic foundation would not be ridiculed or destroyed. Although the system has been proven to be susceptible to manipulations and maneuvering, especially when corrupt minds seek to buy these recognitions to improve their sociopolitical profile, it does not change the fact that they all identify the practice as something important in the process of their social buildup. So when one comes across social practices in which individuals are given such recognition, it is evident that they are making substantive efforts to construct a social identity that preserves their cultural traditions while maintaining their moral evolution in the contemporary time.

However, we must remember that a person who has grown up to be a vibrant contributor to the activities of their environment will consistently achieve these goals not only because they are remarkably steadfast at that moment when they become the cynosure of all eyes, but also mainly because they have a record of great upbringing that has extensively changed their mindset and prepared them for the future right from their formative years. This conclusion is informed by the question posed to Dele Momodu in the recent Toyin Falola Interview Series by the first interviewer who asked if his childhood experience in Ile-Ife had any significant impact on his vast career paths. His response was not unexpected because it consolidated the assumption that children’s background, particularly in Africa, is always an admixture of varied experiences that range from extensive social interactions, integrated philosophical engagements, and a couple of other things that serve as the basis for their intellectual development. When exposed to all these, they will be rooted in various engagements that will bring them utmost success if pursued later in life.

Dele Momodu conceded that although the general assumption is that Western education was enough to submerge the indigenous knowledge systems because of its organization amidst other qualities it possessed, it, however, cannot beat the reality that people in their indigenous communities know different things which they have access to from their social interactions and networks from the beginning. This, therefore, means that the ascription of ignorance to individuals who did not attend Western school during the colonial and postcolonial periods is done by individuals who do not understand what education means in the true sense.

Photo: Dele Momodu in picture with late father

Source: TVC

This deduction is necessary, as demonstrated by Dele Momodu’s childhood experience. He lost his father at an early age, and his formative education was imposed on him by his mother, who took the responsibility with impressive competence. Contrary to the misconception that his mother, who did not have access to the Western education system, would be incapacitated by this condition and lack the necessary know-how to groom the young Dele in ways that would aid his intellectual development, she did exceptionally well and was able to provide a good education for him with the help of others.

As a buildup to this foundation, the University of Ile-Ife, renamed as Obafemi Awolowo University, significantly expanded on Dele Momodu’s formative education, as it provided not only the serene environment where such a feat could be achieved but also the availability of seasoned academics who had more than an academic relationship with the students. His teachers related well with the students and had personal interactions with them, which helped formulate ideas and recommendations of sources essential for their progress. This opened the students to broader academic perspectives and sources and helped them build an eclectic resource to better themselves. Additionally, having a mother who was culturally grounded in Yoruba knowledge systems, and being fortunate to grow in an environment where academic culture was very much modern, helped to build the man we know today as the founder of the internationally acclaimed newspaper, Ovation, a journalist par excellence, as well as an author, a philanthropist, and other amazing things he has come to be associated with.

Perhaps the best way to understand that his trajectory is a product of his education and cultural background is to interrogate the series or choices made during his growth. The first interviewer, Mrs. Yinka Adeboye, understood this, and it appears that this knowledge guided her question. She asked if there were anything Dele Momodu would have done differently during his formative development, perhaps to understand his response and see if cultural affiliations can be traced to his intellectual brilliance. As expected, the guest is not someone who would disappoint when questions like this come up. Apart from the fact that he was grounded in the epistemology of Yoruba by virtue of his environment and his academic engagement, he is also someone with an admirable understanding of how things work in the Yoruba world. Dele Momodu responded that one’s Orí has always been at the level where critical decisions must be taken, and spiritual choices must be made, even without conscious awareness. He answered this way because he believed that his trajectory encapsulated negative and positive experiences critical and cardinal to his personal development.

Although the Yoruba people are ardent believers in the concept or phenomenon of Orí, and because it was the cultural traditions of the environment from where they were raised and molded, it was never an impediment to drive them into visible actions. While they believed or perhaps imagined that the content of their destiny would be primarily positive, they never conceded to nature the ability to make things work magically, especially things that they could achieve themselves. They propel their destiny to work and, by so doing, they are conscious of their development as a people.

Photo: MKO Abiola

Source: KFilani

Meanwhile, Dele Momodu’s struggles pushed him to a different level at this point in his career development. He wanted to build a career in teaching because the profession had caught his interest from people he gained extensively well. However, during that period, the country’s situation was antagonistic to his dream career as it did not provide the necessary atmosphere for the actualization of his teaching career. During the military regime, and because they introduced policies that radically departed from the line of reasoning, struggling individuals who intended to be teachers were frustrated out of the system. Here, the cultural significance of Orí concerning the Yoruba’s ontological reality comes to mind.

Dele Momodu admitted that as a teacher, the unfavorable atmosphere in the academic community pushed him into writing and eventually exposed him to several activities that reshaped his journalism career. Of course, it would seem that his Orí had already provided for him all the needed materials to enhance his journalism career, but he could not connect it until he got a spark from people who were aware of his tireless academic excellence. Having a bachelor’s degree in Yoruba and a master’s degree in Literature was perhaps the necessary ingredients to facilitate his upward rise in the literary or journalism profession. He began to write for the Guardian Newspaper in Lagos, and in no distant time, he was making intimidating accomplishments. He was also freelancing for another known newspaper company. His engagements were giving him two important things at the same time–money to sustain himself and popularity that was growing beyond his imagination. Dele Momodu’s journey into journalism was accidental, spurred by his Orí, as believed in the Yoruba cultural tradition, because not only is he known widely as a versatile journalist in modern history, but he is also equally global in his popularity.

Although Dele Momodu’s fame and success can be linked internationally to Nigeria as that is the country of his birth, it does not preclude the possibility of knowing how culture intersects with colonialism and colonialism with nationhood. Perhaps this knowledge inspired the question that “Is Nigeria one?” by one of our interviewers. The respondent shed a resounding light on the question after categorically saying Nigeria is not one. He traced the beginning of the country to its creation in 1914, which witnessed the haphazard amalgamation of various nationalities and ethnic identities together by the expansionist West, who were more concerned about the need for group domination than the identity formation of their new colonies. Of course, this is understandable because such thinking usually occupies the mind of the colonialists, irrespective of their racial beginning. However, the negative consequences are felt by the society or the people who became the victims of that indiscriminate wedding of culturally incompatible people. The fact remains that the awareness of their differences would have naturally helped in the smooth administration of the country because philosophies would have been developed along that line.

Still, under the admission that cultural diversities and plural identities are the foundation of the country called Nigeria, Dele Momodu was firm in his position that the type of leadership required to transform the country has a front-liner who is not concerned about a particular ethnic group (most especially theirs), not highly affiliated to religious identities to the extent that they cannot differentiate between the issues of national concerns and that of their religious beliefs, not so uncivilized to the extent that they would treat political opponents like enemies at war front with whom they cannot seek ideas and philosophies for the development of the country. All these are important because the evolutionary stage of the Nigerian democracy is fragile, and anyone who does not have the above qualities would always drive the country to the primitive era when collaborative development appeared like rocket science. Ultimately, the awareness of the difference in the country would lead to the emergence of leaders who have these qualities. As such, everyone’s culture would be respected and not given some preferential treatment.

Photo: Prez Mahama felicitates with Chief Dele Momodu at UPSA

Source: GhanaWeb

Dele Momodu submitted that cultural plurality is a blessing, and thus multicultural engagements are a product of such an environment. In the development of any civilization in the contemporary time, there should be less concentration on where an individual comes from, but much attention should be focused on what these individuals can offer. Anyone who refuses to accept this obvious fact, any country or civilization that does not accommodate this reality, will constantly battle with retrogression because they would not have the advantage of sourcing from different knowledge backgrounds to develop themselves or improve the conditions of their people.

In concluding this conversation about the plural identities in Nigeria, Dele Momodu alluded to the development recorded in different human civilizations, especially in developed societies. He argued that these countries employ the services of great people regardless of their country of origin or nationalities. They harvested their intellectual property to develop themselves and attain a level of advancement that places them within the appropriate position of dominance which they are getting. Summarily, cultural traditions are important and should not be seen as a plague anywhere in the world. Rather than run divisive politics, the nation’s leaders should consider various ways to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Opinion

PDP Crisis: Illegal Factional Convention is a Direct Assault on Party Constitution and Democracy

Published

3 days ago

March 29, 2026

Eric

By Prince Adedipe Dauda Ewenla

The attention of party faithfuls and the general public has been drawn to the desperate and unconstitutional attempt by a faction within the Peoples Democratic Party to foist an illegal National Convention on the party in clear violation of its constitution and established democratic norms.

Let it be stated unequivocally: the Constitution of the PDP is clear, unambiguous, and binding on all members only a duly elected National Working Committee (NWC) has the constitutional authority to convene, approve, and conduct a National Convention.

This position is firmly grounded in the provisions of the PDP Constitution:

1. Section 31(3) clearly vests the power to summon and convene the National Convention in the appropriate constitutional organ of the party, which operates through the National Working Committee.

2. Section 29(2)(a) establishes the National Working Committee as the principal executive organ responsible for the day-to-day administration and decision-making of the party.

3. Section 47(1) affirms the supremacy of the party constitution, making it binding on all members and organs of the party without exception.

Flowing from these provisions, any gathering, meeting, or assembly convened outside this constitutional framework is illegal, null, void, and of no consequence, being ultra vires, null ab initio, and incapable of conferring any legal rights or obligations whatsoever.

The ongoing attempt by a faction reportedly aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to organize a so-called convention through an imposed and illegitimate caretaker structure is nothing but a brazen assault on the rule of law, party supremacy, and internal democracy, and amounts to a clear case of constitutional subversion.

For the avoidance of doubt:
Individuals who have been suspended or expelled from the party lack the locus standi to act on its behalf.

Any caretaker arrangement not constitutionally backed by the elected organs of the party remains a nullity ab initio.
No faction, no matter how powerful, can override the supremacy of the party constitution.

Any purported action taken in furtherance of this illegality is void and liable to be set aside ex debito justitiae by any court of competent jurisdiction.

It is instructive that the Federal High Court and other competent courts have already taken judicial notice of these constitutional breaches by entertaining suits challenging the legality of the proposed convention. This alone is a clear warning that the entire process is fundamentally defective and cannot stand the test of law.

We therefore align firmly and unequivocally with the leadership direction and stabilizing efforts under Kabiru Turaki, whose commitment to constitutional order, due process, and party unity remains the only credible path forward for the PDP at this critical time.

The party cannot and must not be hijacked by individuals driven by personal ambition, vendetta politics, or external influence.

The survival of the PDP as a viable opposition platform depends on strict adherence to its constitution and respect for its legitimate structures.

We warn, in the strongest possible terms, that:

Any convention conducted outside the authority of a duly elected NWC will be resisted and rejected by loyal members of the party.

Any outcome from such an illegal exercise will be treated as void ab initio and will not be recognized within the party or before the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Those promoting this illegality are inviting avoidable chaos, multiplicity of suits, and grave political consequences for the PDP ahead of 2027.

This is not just about a convention this is about the soul, legality, and future of our great party.

I call on all genuine stakeholders to rise above factional manipulation and defend the constitution of the PDP with courage and clarity.

The rule of law must prevail. Fiat justitia ruat caelum. The constitution must stand. The PDP must not fall.

Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla
PDP Southwest Ex-Officio

Opinion

Intentional Progressive Leadership and Disciplined Security: Catalysts for Unlocking Possibilities

Published

3 days ago

March 28, 2026

Eric

By Tolulope Adegoke PhD

In an increasingly interconnected and volatile world, the twin forces of intentional progressive leadership and disciplined security stand as indispensable drivers of meaningful advancement. Intentional progressive leadership is characterized by deliberate, forward-thinking decision-making that prioritizes inclusive growth, innovation, accountability, and long-term societal transformation over short-term gains or entrenched interests. Disciplined security, in turn, refers to a professional, rule-of-law-based, human-centered approach to safeguarding citizens, institutions, and resources—one that integrates military, intelligence, law enforcement, and community engagement while upholding human rights and fostering trust. Together, these elements do not merely maintain stability; they actively unlock possibilities across three interconnected spheres: peoples (individuals and communities), corporates (businesses and organizations), and nation building (state institutions and societal cohesion).

This write-up examines their active roles, portrays the current realities as they stand in Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world, provides relevant global and regional examples, and offers practical, unbiased solutions. Drawing on established patterns of development, the analysis underscores that where these forces converge effectively, they generate exponential outcomes; where they falter, stagnation and fragility ensue. The goal is to present a balanced, evidence-informed perspective suitable for policymakers, business leaders, scholars, and development practitioners internationally.

Defining and Contextualizing the Core Elements

Intentional progressive leadership goes beyond charisma or authority. It demands strategic vision anchored in data, ethical governance, stakeholder inclusion, and adaptive resilience. Leaders in this mold invest in human capital, promote transparency, and align policies with sustainable development goals. Disciplined security complements this by creating the enabling environment of safety and predictability. It emphasizes professional training, intelligence-led operations, community policing, and the rule of law rather than militarization or repression. When these operate in synergy, they transform potential into tangible progress: educated citizens innovate, businesses thrive without fear, and nations build resilient institutions.

Active Roles in Delivering Possibilities for Peoples

For individuals and communities, intentional progressive leadership and disciplined security create pathways to dignity, opportunity, and empowerment. Progressive leaders prioritize education, healthcare, and skills development, viewing people as the primary asset. Disciplined security ensures freedom from fear, enabling daily pursuits of livelihood and aspiration.

In practice, this synergy fosters social mobility and cohesion. Progressive leadership invests in youth programs and vocational training, while disciplined security protects learning environments and public spaces. The result is reduced vulnerability to exploitation and increased civic participation.

Active Roles in Delivering Possibilities for Corporates

Corporations require stable operating environments to invest, innovate, and expand. Intentional progressive leadership enacts policies that ease business registration, combat corruption, and promote public-private partnerships. Disciplined security safeguards supply chains, intellectual property, and personnel against threats like extortion or sabotage.

This combination drives economic dynamism. Businesses flourish when leaders provide predictable regulations and when security forces respond swiftly to disruptions, allowing corporates to focus on value creation rather than risk mitigation.

Active Roles in Delivering Possibilities for Nation Building

At the national level, these elements are foundational to sovereignty, legitimacy, and prosperity. Progressive leadership builds inclusive institutions, diversifies economies, and integrates regional and global partnerships. Disciplined security preserves territorial integrity, deters external interference, and supports internal harmony.

Nation building succeeds when leadership fosters national identity and security architecture reinforces it through equitable protection and justice.

The Current Picture: Realities in Nigeria, Africa, and the Wider World

Nigeria exemplifies both promise and persistent hurdles. As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, it possesses immense human and natural potential. Yet, as of early 2026, security challenges remain acute: insurgency and banditry in the Northeast and Northwest, farmer-herder conflicts in the Middle Belt, kidnapping for ransom nationwide, and separatist tensions in the Southeast. These have displaced millions, stifled agriculture and commerce, and eroded public trust. Leadership under President Bola Tinubu has pursued reforms, including kinetic and non-kinetic counter-insurgency measures, the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff in late 2025 for better operational coherence, and emphasis on human capital development (HCD 2.0). Progress includes reported surrenders of insurgent affiliates and targeted infrastructure investments, yet gaps persist in governance coordination, community engagement, and addressing root causes such as poverty and youth unemployment.

Across Africa, the landscape is heterogeneous. Positive models include Rwanda, where post-genocide leadership under President Paul Kagame has combined visionary governance with disciplined security to achieve sustained growth, digital innovation, and regional stability. Botswana stands as another exemplar: decades of prudent, transparent leadership have turned diamond revenues into broad-based development while maintaining professional security institutions that uphold democratic norms. Ghana demonstrates democratic continuity with progressive economic policies and relatively effective security cooperation. Conversely, parts of the Sahel face coups, jihadist expansion, and governance fragility, highlighting how leadership vacuums and undisciplined security exacerbate cycles of instability.

Globally, the interplay is evident in success stories such as Singapore’s transformation under Lee Kuan Yew, where meritocratic leadership and disciplined, corruption-free security institutions propelled a resource-poor city-state into a high-income economy. South Korea’s post-war reconstruction similarly blended visionary leadership with security alliances and human capital focus. In contrast, nations experiencing leadership complacency or fragmented security—such as certain conflict zones in the Middle East or Latin America—illustrate stalled development and eroded possibilities.

These realities reveal a clear pattern: intentional progressive leadership and disciplined security are not luxuries but necessities. Their absence perpetuates underdevelopment; their presence catalyzes breakthroughs.

Relevant Examples Illustrating Essence and Impact

Rwanda: Post-1994 genocide, intentional leadership focused on reconciliation, education, and technology hubs, supported by disciplined security reforms that prioritized professional training and community policing. This has elevated Rwanda to one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, attracting foreign investment and reducing poverty dramatically.
Botswana: Progressive leadership emphasized accountable resource management and anti-corruption measures, paired with a professional military and police force. The outcome is one of Africa’s most stable democracies and highest Human Development Indices.
Singapore: Lee Kuan Yew’s intentional policies built a merit-based civil service and rigorous, rule-based security apparatus. This created a safe, efficient environment that transformed the nation into a global financial and logistics hub.
Nigeria-specific: Initiatives like community-based security arrangements in some states, when aligned with progressive local leadership, have reduced localized banditry. Corporate examples include Lagos tech ecosystems thriving amid targeted security enhancements in business districts.

These cases justify the essence: deliberate leadership and disciplined security deliver measurable possibilities when integrated holistically.

Proffering Relevant Solutions: Pathways Forward Without Prejudice

Solutions must be context-specific yet universally applicable, emphasizing collaboration across stakeholders.

For Peoples (Individuals and Communities):

Nigeria and Africa: Scale up human capital programs like Nigeria’s HCD 2.0 through universal basic education, vocational training, and digital literacy, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas. Integrate community policing models that empower local vigilantes under professional oversight to build trust.
Wider World: Adopt inclusive social safety nets and mental health support in post-conflict settings. International partners can provide technical assistance for youth entrepreneurship funds.
Outcome: Reduced vulnerability and empowered citizens who contribute actively to development.

For Corporates:

Nigeria and Africa: Enact progressive policies such as streamlined business regulations, tax incentives for security technology investments, and public-private security partnerships (e.g., joint task forces for critical infrastructure). Encourage corporate social responsibility in community safety initiatives.
Wider World: Promote global standards like ISO security management systems and cross-border investment guarantees tied to stability metrics.
Outcome: Enhanced investor confidence, job creation, and innovation ecosystems.

For Nation Building:

Nigeria: Strengthen institutional reforms, including anti-corruption enforcement, judicial independence, and devolved security responsibilities (e.g., state police with federal safeguards). Foster inclusive national dialogues and leverage technology for intelligence sharing.
Africa: Enhance African Union mechanisms for peer review, joint peacekeeping, and economic integration to address transnational threats.
Wider World: Support multilateral frameworks that reward progressive governance with development aid and security cooperation, emphasizing capacity-building over external imposition.
Cross-cutting Measures: Invest in data-driven monitoring (e.g., peace indices), leadership training academies, and civil society engagement to ensure accountability.

Implementation requires political will, sustained funding, and adaptive evaluation. International standards—such as those from the World Bank’s governance indicators or the Institute for Economics and Peace—can guide benchmarking without external overreach.

Conclusion: A Call to Deliberate Action

Intentional progressive leadership and disciplined security are not abstract ideals but active agents that shape destinies. In Nigeria and across Africa, where challenges are pronounced yet potential is vast, their effective deployment can convert vulnerabilities into strengths. Globally, they offer proven blueprints for resilient, prosperous societies. The current picture, while marked by setbacks, also reveals pathways of hope through ongoing reforms and exemplary models. By embracing these forces with intentionality, stakeholders at all levels can deliver genuine possibilities—empowered peoples, thriving corporates, and cohesive nations. The imperative is clear: invest in people-centered leadership and professional security today to secure a more equitable and stable tomorrow. Through collaborative, evidence-based strategies, Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world can realize their full potential in an interdependent global order.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a globally recognized scholar-practitioner and thought leader at the nexus of security, governance, and strategic leadership. His mission is dedicated to advancing ethical governance, strategic human capital development, and resilient nation-building, and global peace. He can be reached via: tolulopeadegoke01@gmail.com, globalstageimpacts@gmail.com

Opinion

Characterisation of Biomass Feedstocks Relaxation Properties Using Visco Elastic Models

Published

4 days ago

March 28, 2026

Eric

By Dr. Aminu Owonikoko, PhD

Overview

This thesis investigates a deceptively simple but industrially important question: what happens to biomass materials when they are compressed and then allowed to relax? Biomass — such as woodchips, wheat straw, leafy residues, cotton seeds, and wood pellets — is a major renewable resource used for energy production and sustainable manufacturing. However, its physical behaviour during handling, storage, and processing is poorly understood. Unlike uniform materials such as sand or grain, biomass is irregular, springy, and unpredictable. This unpredictability leads to blockages, equipment failures, and inefficient energy use in biomass processing plants.

The research provides a scientific foundation for predicting how biomass behaves under pressure by combining controlled experiments with Visco elastic modelling. The work introduces a new method for extracting key model parameters, enabling more accurate and transparent predictions of biomass relaxation behaviour.

Why Biomass Behaviour Matters

Biomass supply chains involve several mechanical steps: compaction, transport, storage, and feeding into processing equipment. During these steps, biomass is often compressed. Once the pressure is removed, the material “relaxes” — it expands, shifts, and redistributes internal stresses. This relaxation affects:
• how much biomass can be stored
• how reliably it flows through hoppers and conveyors
• how much energy is required to process it
• the likelihood of blockages or equipment downtime

Understanding this behaviour is essential for designing efficient, reliable, and cost effective biomass systems.

Research Aim

The central aim of the thesis is to characterise the stress relaxation behaviour of five biomass feedstocks and to develop robust Visco elastic models that can predict this behaviour under different loading conditions.

Experimental Approach

Five biomass materials were selected due to their relevance in renewable energy and agricultural supply chains:
• Fuzzy cotton seeds
• Leafy biomass
• Wheat straw
• Woodchips
• Wood pellets

Each material was compressed using a Shimadzu MTS testing machine. After reaching a target stress level, the load was held constant while the material’s stress decay was recorded over time (typically 60, 120, and 180 seconds). These measurements captured both fast relaxation (immediate stress drop) and slow relaxation (longer term settling).

The experimental data revealed that each biomass type behaves differently, reflecting differences in structure, moisture content, particle shape, and internal bonding.
Modelling Approach

To interpret the experimental results, the thesis applies Visco elastic models — mathematical tools traditionally used to describe materials that behave partly like solids and partly like fluids. Two models were central:
1. Zener Model
– Captures both elastic and viscous behaviour
– Useful for materials with a clear fast relaxation component

2. Two Maxwell Elements Model
– Represents two relaxation processes simultaneously
– Ideal for materials with both fast and slow relaxation phases

A key contribution of the thesis is the development of a numerical and graphical method for estimating model parameters (such as relaxation time constants) without relying heavily on curve fitting software like MATLAB or OriginPro. This method improves transparency, reduces error, and makes the modelling approach more accessible to engineers.
Key Findings

1. Biomass Has Distinct Relaxation “Signatures”

Each biomass type exhibits a unique pattern of stress decay. For example:
• Wood pellets relax quickly and predictably.
• Leafy biomass relaxes slowly and irregularly.
• Wheat straw shows intermediate behaviour.
These signatures can be used to classify materials and predict their handling performance.

2. Fast and Slow Relaxation Are Mechanically Meaningful

The two Maxwell elements model successfully separates fast and slow relaxation processes. This distinction helps engineers understand how biomass responds immediately after compression versus how it settles over time.

3. New Parameter Extraction Method Improves Accuracy

The thesis introduces a novel approach for estimating relaxation time constants and stress components. This reduces dependence on automated curve fitting tools and provides more reliable model predictions.

4. Models Predict Real Behaviour Well

When applied to experimental data, both the Zener and two Maxwell models accurately reproduce the relaxation curves. This confirms that Visco elastic modelling is a powerful tool for biomass characterisation.

Practical Implications

The findings have direct relevance for industries that handle biomass:
• Improved equipment design: Better predictions of relaxation behaviour reduce blockages and mechanical failures.
• Optimised storage: Understanding how biomass settles helps determine safe and efficient storage densities.
• Reduced energy use: More predictable flow reduces the energy required for conveying and processing.
• Enhanced process reliability: Plants can operate more consistently with fewer interruptions.

Conclusion

This thesis provides a comprehensive experimental and theoretical framework for understanding biomass relaxation behaviour. By combining detailed measurements with improved Visco elastic modelling, it offers new insights into how biomass responds under pressure — insights that are essential for scaling up renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.

The work advances both scientific understanding and practical engineering, contributing to the development of cleaner, more efficient biomass systems.