By Eric Elezuo

Many men deserves respect, but quite a few deserves to be celebrated. This is because celebration of individuals is a function of impact, relevance to humanity and achievements. One man in Africa qualifies to be respected and celebrated. He is Aare Dele Momodu; a cosmopolitan achiever, detailed influencer and unequaled philanthropist.

Consequent upon his selfless contributions to the betterment of humanity and modest efforts at changing the narratives towards good governance, the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, who is a globally acclaimed media icon, has been recognised in many fora; traditional, political and the entertainment world. A situation that made the African continent to roll out the drums to dance in ecstacy to celebrate his 65th landmark birthday.

The birthday celebrations were heralded by a prestigious Leadership Lecture at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), where the superior knowledge of influential former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was tapped into as he played the role of the guests lecturer, and a scintillating reception at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. Both events proved the class Dele Momodu belong to.

Nit long ago, Momodu was honoured with a chieftaincy title by His Royal Majesty, the Olufi of Gbonganland, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi Odugbemi I as the Akinrogun of Gbonganland. The honours were also extended to his wife, Mobolaji Momodu, as the Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland.

Popularly called Bob Dee among very close companions and associates, Momodu’s various landmark achievements as a world renowned journalist, author, publisher, businessman, public affairs commentator, frontline politician are all testaments of his strong avowal to matters of national and personal interests. He is not just a force to reckon with, but a strong force to emulate in all ramifications.

In October 2021, Momodu and his wife were honoured with traditional chieftaincy titles of Aare Tayese of Iwoland and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland respectively by the paramount ruler of Iwo Kingdom, HRH Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu l, the Oluwo of Iwoland.

According to the Oluwo, 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.

He also has various chieftaincy titles accumulated across the six geo-political regions of the country among them is the Onunakwuruoha I of Etiti in Abia State.

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.

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.

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.

If there is a man ever so blessed, so respected and respectful, so enigmatic in carriage, so down to earth in his line of duties, so magnanimous, so ebullient, so philanthropic, so impressive, so full of camaraderie, so patriotic in Nigerian affairs, so up to date, so academic and so knowledgeable; that person has to be Dr. Dele Momodu.

Momodu’s larger than life living is felt across the world among all cares of individuals and institutions. He is the most sought after face in every event. There’s practically no field of human endeavour he has affected. There’s practically no form of assistance he has rendered to institutions and individuals. In fact,he is himself an institution, and inspiration and by all means a course of study.

Fulfilled and contended, Momodu is blessed with a beautiful nuclear family, comprising his darling wife, Bolaji, and his four thriving sons; Pekan, Yole, Eniafe and Korewa.

We join the entire world to wish a man of many parts a happy 65th birthday. We celebrate you sir!