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Glamour, Glitz, Razzmatazz As Top Society Celebrates Aare Dele Momodu @65

Published

10 months ago

May 18, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo and Ruth Akpan

It was more than the description of a carnival in comparison to the events that took place to celebrate the 65th birthday of one of the iconic personalities out of Africa, Aare (Dr.) Dele Momodu.

In commemoration of the landmark event, Aare Dele Momodu, who is the proud recipient of multiple awards and traditional titles including Aare Tayese of Iwoland, Akinrogun of Gbongan land, Onigege Ara of Jogaland, Ogwanusi of Imeri Kingdom Onunakwuruoha 1 of Etiti, and Bashorun of Oke-Ila, pulled all the available stops to give himself, friends, family members, the media world, colleagues, associates and in fact, the general public the treat of their lives. Drums were rolled out, trumpets bellowed, hands clapped and voices rang out in melodious admiration and acceptance of one, who has painstakingly paid his dues in the fields he loves most, and among humanity.

The week long activities that culminated in the grand finale celebration accomodated unveiling of magnificent edifices in Modakeke, Osun State, Ihievbe, Edo State, Alalubosa, Ibadan, Oyo State, where the audacious Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, for training of aspiring leaders is situated.

Aare Dele Momodu, who is also called Bob Dee or Bob Doo by members of his kitchen cabinet and inner caucus friends, is an A-list media titan one can easily add to the league of Africa’s most influential and celebrated journalists, who has remained a global voice for African greatness and excellence, and of course true to their calling. Here is one man, who in all his years of public and private practice, has never been distracted, especially by filthy lucre.

Amiable, humble, selfless and reliable, he is probably the only one among his peers, who do not only have friends across the globe, but has a retinue of many young friends on account of his sterling relationships and accomplishments in and out of the media industry, and of course, his mentorship disposition.

As a former presidential aspirant, he is widely recognized and known for his vision, fearless voice and consistency in standing on the side of the people always – supporting democratic principles, transparent and good leadership and equality.

The birthday celebrations kickstarted proper at the prestigious Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island, Lagos where Momodu gathered the crème de la crème of society for the second edition of the Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture tagged “HOW TO END HUNGER AND POVERTY IN AFRICA”.

The ceremony which had the Former Head of State and two-terms President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR) as the Guest lecturer and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke as Chief Host, did not disappoint in content and delivery.

Anchored by veteran journalist, Dr. Reuben Abati, with assistance from Mr. Ogunlana, and with preliminaries including the introduction of guests, recitation of the National Anthem and welcome address by the host, Aare Momodu, expressed profound gratitude to all attendees for coming to felicitate with him, concluded, the stage was therefore, set for the business of the day.

In his lecture, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo whose extensive and profound knowledge and experience on leadership, carefully examined the difference between relative and abject poverty, adding that the extermination of hunger is essential to ending abject poverty.

Identifying inequitable distribution of resources, insecurity and insufficient educational empowerment as core issues affecting poverty and hunger, Obasanjo insisted that addressing these crucial issues are essential for Africa’s socio-economic reformation towards eradicating poverty and hunger in Africa.

Also lending his voice to the discourse, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, charged Nigerians to be patriotic as a way to break free from poverty while describing Aare Momodu as a man of grace, honour and divine favour which is evident in the calibre of dignitaries present at the event.

He prayed for the celebrant to grow in wisdom, long life and good health.

Responding, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, who was the honoured host, enlivened the mood with thanksgiving songs, celebrating the life and accomplishments of the media titan.

According to him, “Having the fear of God is essential and also to be a good listener. If you have the fear of God, you will do the right thing always. You cannot lure my brother, Dele Momodu with money because he speaks the truth always.

“Education is very important for good leadership. I have learnt from my Baba Obasanjo to be prudent and to have integrity as a leader,” Adeleke said.

Representing His Excellency, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, the President of Ghana, the wife of Ghana’s richest man, Mrs Edwina Asoma Banda, said the government and people of Ghana are proud of the celebrant. She said the celebrant has been a brother, father and mentor to her and her late husband, praying for God’s blessings, long life, good health, divine favor and grace upon his life.

More goodwill messages were received from Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Consul-General of the Republic of South Africa, Prof. Bobby J. Moroe and many others, who all asserted the celebrant’s indelible impact on humanity, politics and the media.

One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of compilation of the celebrant’s achievements in a document by the hardworking staff of Ovation Media Group, led by the Group Editor, Mr. Eric Elezuo. In an elaborate display of gratitude, the staff eulogized Momodu and sang happy birthday songs in his honour.

The Lecture was rounded off with a vote of thanks by Yole Momodu, the celebrant’s second son.

THE MOTHER-OF-ALL RECEPTION AT THE BALMORAL, FEDERAL PALACE HOTEL

With the leadership lecture concluded, guests converged on the luxurious Balmoral Convention Centre, within the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos where dignitaries and all attendees were lavishly pampered with the best of cuisines, music and entertainment. Again, it was a testament to Momodu’s clout in Nigeria because ‘this’ reception was well attended.

Anchored by the duo of Gbenga Adeyinka and Tunde Adewale (Tee A), the event brightened up to exclusive fun and laughter, amid the ambience of a beautifully decorated hall.

It was Pastor Dotun Ojelabi that said the prayer followed by the grand arrival of the celebrant with cheering and applause from guests.

A video documentary chronicling the life and legacy of the celebrant was shown on screen after which Chief Rasaq Okoya and Chief Samuel Adedoyin offered prayers and spoke glowingly about the man of the moment, Dele Momodu.

The cake-cutting ceremony was supervised by Otunba Femi Pedro as the word, J-E-S-U-S was spelled.

While Malas foods, Jimone catering, Lorinda catering and Sagriell drinks handled victuals, the jazziest musical band in town, Shuga Band and ageless Commander (Evangelist) Ebenezer Obey, thrilled the celebrant, family, friends including the ever-energetic Governor Adeleke through what was an evening of fun and excitement with great music. The toast of Nigeria’s pop and afrobeat world, Davido appearance to the wild applause of the guests.

The night had all the trappings of a wow event, showcasing a fitting way to celebrate one of the true icons of journalism in Nigeria.

Among those that graced the occasion were Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), wife of Ogun State Governor, H.E Bamidele Dapo Abiodun, Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, High Chief Alex Duduyemi, Founder Eleganza group of companies, Chief Rasaq Okoya and wife, Chief (Mrs) Shade Okoya, Otunba Femi Pedro, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, Representing Ghana, Mrs Edwina Asoma Banda, Founder Hip TV, Ayo Animashaun, Founder GTBank, Mr. Fola Adeola, Retired AIG of Police, Chief Tunji Alapini, former presidential spokesperson, Chief Femi Adesina, renowned Nigerian entertainer, Ken Calebs Olumese, Consul-General of the Republic of South Africa, Prof. Bobby J. Moroe, Chief Ezekiel Fatoye, Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, Prof. Anthony Kila, Mr. Tony Okoroji, representing Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Abdulrasheed Shehu, representing Aliko Dangote, Sir Tony Chiejina, Dr. Quincy Ayodele, Dr. Sani Saidu Baba, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, Mr. Kolade James, Aare Adams Ganiu, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, Prince Aderemi Sijuwade, Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Senator Olalekan Mustapha, Founder Doyin group of companies, Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Otunba Olawale Okunniyi, former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, Asiwaju Seun Oloketuyi, SSA to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Michael Effiong; Editor, Ovation Media Group, Mr. Eric Elezuo and Wife, Mr. Jimi Eniola, Yes Magazine Publisher, Mr. Azuh Arinze, Prince Aseperi Adeyemi and multiple award-winning singer, David Adeleke, professionally known as Davido.

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Court Validates PDP 2025 Convention in Ibadan, Affirms Turaki-led NWC

Published

1 hour ago

February 27, 2026

Eric

The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has affirmed the validity of the 2025 Elective Convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), which produced Dr. Kabiru Turaki as the substantive National Chairman of the party.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Ladiran Akintola upheld the convention in its entirety, ruling that it was conducted in full compliance with the relevant constitutional and statutory provisions governing party elections in Nigeria.

The decision marked a significant legal victory for the party’s leadership and brought clarity to the dispute surrounding the convention’s legitimacy.

The ruling followed an amended originating summons filed by Misibau Adetunmbi (SAN) on behalf of the claimant, Folahan Malomo Adelabi, in Suit No. I/1336/2025.

In a comprehensive judgment, the court granted all 13 reliefs sought by the claimant, effectively endorsing the processes and outcomes of the Ibadan convention.

Justice Akintola held that the convention, organised by the recognised leadership of the party, satisfied all laid-down legal requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), and the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

The court found no breach of due process or statutory non-compliance in the conduct of the exercise.

In the same proceedings, the court dismissed the Motion on Notice seeking a stay of proceedings and suspension of the ruling, filed by Sunday Ibrahim (SAN) on behalf of Austin Nwachukwu and two others. The applications were described as lacking merit.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court had also rejected a bid by Ibrahim to have his clients joined in the suit.

Justice Akintola ruled at the time that the joinder application was unsubstantiated and consequently dismissed it.

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Opposition Parties Reject 2026 Electoral Act, Demand Fresh Amendment

Published

22 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Eric

Opposition political parties have rejected the 2026 Electoral Act recently passed by the National Assembly, which President Bola Tinubu swiftly signed into law.

The parties called on the National Assembly to immediately begin a fresh amendment process to remove what they described as “all obnoxious provisions” in the law.

Their position was made known at a press briefing themed “Urgent Call to Save Nigeria’s Democracy,” held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday.

In a communiqué read by the Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Ahmed Ajuji, the opposition leaders stated:

“We demand that the National Assembly immediately commence a fresh amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, to remove all obnoxious provisions and ensure that the Act reflects only the will and aspiration of Nigerians for free, fair, transparent and credible electoral process in our country. Nothing short of this will be acceptable to Nigerians.”

Some of the opposition leaders present in at the event include former Senate President David Mark; former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, all from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ahmed Ajuji, and other prominent members of the NNPP, notably Buba Galadima, were also in attendance.

The coalition said the amended law, signed by Bola Tinubu, contains “anti-democratic” clauses, which they argue may weaken electoral transparency and public confidence in the voting system.

At the centre of the opposition’s concerns is the amendment to Section 60(3), which allows presiding officers to rely on manual transmission of election results where there is communication failure.

According to the coalition, the provision weakens the mandatory electronic transmission of results and could create loopholes for manipulation.

They argued that Nigeria’s electoral technology infrastructure is sufficient to support nationwide electronic transmission, citing previous assurances by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The parties also rejected the amendment to Section 84, which restricts political parties to direct primaries and consensus methods for candidate selection.

They described the change as an unconstitutional intrusion into the internal affairs of parties, insisting that indirect primaries remain a legitimate democratic option.

The opposition cited alleged irregularities in the recent Federal Capital Territory local government elections as evidence of what they described as a broader pattern of electoral compromise.

They characterised the polls as a “complete fraud” and said the outcome has deepened their lack of confidence in the ability of the electoral system to deliver credible elections in 2027.

The coalition also condemned reported attacks on leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, describing the incidents as a serious threat to democratic participation and political tolerance.

They warned that increasing violence against opposition figures could destabilise the political environment if not urgently addressed.

In their joint statement, the opposition parties pledged to pursue “every constitutional means” to challenge the Electoral Act 2026 and safeguard voters’ rights.

“We will not be intimidated,” the leaders said, urging civil society organisations and citizens to support efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria’s democratic system.

On February 18, 2026, President Bola Tinubu signed the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026 into law following its passage by the National Assembly. The Act introduced several reforms, including statutory recognition of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and revised election timelines.

However, opposition figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also called for further amendments, particularly over the manual transmission fallback clause, which critics say leaves room for manipulation.

The president said the law will strengthen democracy and prevent voter disenfranchisement.

Tinubu defended manual collation of results, questioned Nigeria’s readiness for full real-time electronic transmission, and warned against technical glitches and hacking.

The Electoral Act sparked intense debate in the National Assembly over how election results should be transmitted ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Civil society groups under the “Occupy NASS” campaign demanded real-time transmission to curb manipulation.

In the Senate, lawmakers clashed during consideration of Clause 60, which allows manual transmission of results if electronic transmission fails.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South) demanded a formal vote to remove the proviso permitting manual transmission, arguing against weakening real-time electronic reporting.

The move led to a heated exchange on the floor, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially suggesting the demand had been withdrawn.

After procedural disputes and a brief confrontation among senators, a division was conducted. Fifteen opposition senators voted against retaining the manual transmission proviso, while 55 supported it, allowing the clause to stand.

Earlier proceedings had briefly stalled during clause-by-clause review, prompting consultations and a closed-door session.

In the House of Representatives, a similar disagreement came up over a motion to rescind an earlier decision that mandated compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results to IReV.

Although the “nays” were louder during a voice vote, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled in favour of rescinding the decision, triggering protests and an executive session.

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AFP: How Tinubu’s Govt Paid Boko Haram ‘Huge’ Ransom, Released Two Terrorists for Kidnapped Saint Mary’s Pupils

Published

3 days ago

February 24, 2026

Eric

The Nigerian government paid Boko Haram militants a “huge” ransom of millions of dollars to free up to 230 children and staff the jihadists abducted from a Catholic school in November, an AFP investigation revealed Monday.

Two Boko Haram commanders were also freed as part of the deal, which goes against the country’s own law banning payments to kidnappers. The money was delivered by helicopter to Boko Haram’s Gwoza stronghold in northeastern Borno state on the border with Cameroon, intelligence sources told AFP.

The decision to pay the militants is likely to irritate US President Donald Trump, who ordered air strikes on jihadists in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day and has been sent military trainers to help support Nigerian forces.

Nigerian government officials deny any ransom was paid to the armed gang that snatched close to 300 schoolchildren and staff from St. Mary’s boarding school in Papiri in central Niger state on November 21. At least 50 later managed to escape their captors.

Boko Haram has not been previously linked to the kidnapping, but sources told AFP one of its most feared commanders was behind the mass abduction: the notorious jihadist known as Sadiku.

He infamously held up a train from the capital in 2022 and netted hefty ransoms for the release of government officials and other well-off passengers.

Boko Haram, which has waged a bloody insurgency since 2009, is strongest in northeast Nigeria.

But a cell in central Niger state operates under Sadiku’s leadership. The St. Mary’s pupils and staff were freed after two weeks of negotiations led by Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, with the government insisting no ransom was paid. Nigeria’s State Security Service flatly denied paying any money, saying “government agents don’t pay ransoms”.

However, four intelligence sources familiar with the talks told AFP the government paid a “huge” ransom to get the pupils back. One source put it at 40 million naira per head – around $7 million in total.

Another put the figure lower at two billion naira overall. The money was delivered by chopper to Ali Ngulde, a Boko Haram commander in the northeast, three sources told AFP.

Due to the lack of communications cover in the remote area, Ngulde had to cross into Cameroon to confirm delivery of the ransom before the first group of 100 children were released.

Nigeria has long been plagued by mass abductions, with criminals and jihadist groups sometimes working together to extort millions from hostages’ families, and authorities seemingly powerless to stop them.

Source: Africanews