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dele momodu
Chief Dele Momodu (born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu; 16 May 1960) is a Nigerian journalist/publisher, businessman, and motivational speaker. He is the CEO and publisher of Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world, mainly in Africa. In 2015, he officially launched Ovation TV and subsequently launched an online newspaper called The Boss Newspapers. Momodu has received hundreds of awards and honours for his work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music industry, and the fashion industry. He writes a weekly column called "Pendulum," published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper. The articles are praised for highlighting issues in Nigeria, as well as discussing popular topics, current events, and notable people, often in a polemic/critical style.
Chief Momodu started Ovation International in 1996 while still in exile. After the death of Abiola in prison and the subsequent death of his persecutor, Sani Abacha, Momodu ended his exile. Since then, he has expanded Ovation International, and it is now one of Africa's most popular celebrity magazines. Ovation International is also reputed to be the only bilingual magazine in Africa, having editions printed in both English and French.
Dele Momodu officially indicated his interest to run for the position of president of the federal republic of Nigeria under the Labour Party during the 2011 presidential election cycle in September 2010. However, the Labour Party would drop out of the presidential race, and he would end up running under the platform of the National Conscience Party, losing to Goodluck Jonathan in the general elections. He would later describe this presidential race as being borne out of frustration.
In February 2022, Momodu declared his intention to run for president of Nigeria on the platform of the main opposition party, the People's Democratic Party.
A graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) 1982, Momodu holds a degree in Yoruba and a master's degree in English Literature (1988). He lectured at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife between 1982 and 1983 while on National Service. Between 1983 and 1985, he was private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo. In 1986, Momodu served the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing the Motel Royal Limited owned by the monarch. Following Momodu's resignation from the Motel Royal, he went on to study for his post-graduate degree in English literature. He was during this time contributing articles to the likes of The Guardian, Sunday Tribune, and other Nigerian-based publications. On 30 July 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.