Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, popularly known as Dele Momodu is a Nigerian businessman, politician and philanthropist. He is also a well-known journalist, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ovation International, a magazine in Nigeria.
Born: May 16th, 1960
State of Origin: Ile-Ife, Osun state
Parents: Pa and Madam Jacob Momodu
Spouse: Mrs Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu
Children: 4
Nationality: Nigeria
Education: Obafemi Awolowo University
Occupation: Businessman, Journalist, Politician, Philanthropist
PERSONAL LIFE AND EDUCATION
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Growing up, Dele lost his father at a very tender age of 13 which caused him to be devastated and to rely on his mother whom he loved so much but later on, she also died.He is the last born of five children.
Dele Momodu had his primary school education at the Local Authority Primary School, Ile Ife and also secondary school education in his hometown.
He then gained admission into the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where he graduated with a degree in Yoruba. After graduating, he began teaching as an NYSC Corp at the Oyo State College of Arts and Sciences.
He later went back to OAU in 1988 for his Master’s degree in English Literature.
CAREER
Dele Momodu first served as a private secretary to the former deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo after his teaching tenure ended.He also worked as a Manager of Motel Royal Limited under the management of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuade Olubuse II.
It was at this period that he decided to go back for his Masters and began to publish several articles for several newspapers including ThisDay, the Guardian and Sunday Tribune.He got his first job as Staff Writer with the African Concord magazine, owned by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. He also contributed to other publications such as the National Concord, Sunday Concord, Business Concord and the Yoruba newspaper, Isokan.
In 1989, he became Literary Editor and later the News Editor of the Weekend Concord. Dele edited May Ellen Ezekiel’s Classique, a celebrity magazine appointment that made him the highest-paid editor in Nigeria.He eventually resigned and tried his hands at doing business as a bread distributor for his mentor Chief Moshood Abiola, who owned the ‘Wonderloaf’. Following this, Momodu started as a public relations officer Celebrities-Goodwill Limited, which managed the accounts of Chief Moshood Abiola, Dr Mike Adenuga, Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie and other distinguished Nigerians.
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Dele Momodu then founded Ovation International in 1996 while still in exile. After the death of MKO Abiola in prison and subsequently, Sani Abacha’s death ended Dele Momodu’s exile.He expanded Ovation International which is now one of Africa’s most popular celebrity magazines and reputed for being the only bi-lingual magazine in Africa, having editions printed in both English and French.
Momodu also got involved in politics and announced his intention to run for the presidential election of his homeland Nigeria, which was held in 2011. On 12 January 2011, he emerged as Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP).
He recently announced his intentions of becoming the new President of Nigeria in the 2023 elections under the People’s Democratic Party.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
- He got the Vigor Unsung Heroes Award in 2015.
- University of Professional Studies, Accra – Ghana awarded him an honorary doctorate (PhD) which earned him the title of the “Doctor of Humane Letters” in 2016.
- Global Initiative honoured Dele Momodu with the Global Ambassadorship Award in 2018.
- He received the Glam and Essence Awards in 2018.
- Communications awarded him as the Media Icon of the year in 2019
- On October 2nd, 2015 Momodu became the 1st recipient of the 9jaMentors Awards for his outstanding and unquestionable role in empowering the Nigerian Youth.
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NETWORTH
Dele Momodu is a very successful and rich journalist with a net worth of over $40 million.
SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES
Twitter: @Dele Momodu.
