Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu, full name Ayòbámidélé Àbíólá Momodu, is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, entrepreneur, and politician. He is the founder and publisher of *Ovation International* magazine, a prominent African celebrity and lifestyle publication known for its high-quality presentation and global distribution. Momodu is regarded as a significant figure in Nigerian media for his comprehensive coverage of African personalities and events. **Early Life and Education** Dele Momodu was born on May 16, 1960, in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. He was the last of three children and lost his father at a young age. Raised by his mother, Momodu often credits her entrepreneurial spirit and guidance for his eventual success. He attended primary and secondary schools in Ile-Ife. For his tertiary education, he studied Yoruba at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), earning a degree in 1982. He later returned to the university to complete a master's degree in Literature in English in 1988. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Momodu began his career in academia, serving as a lecturer at the then-Osun State College of Arts and Science, before moving into public relations. In 1988, he managed the public relations for the late Nigerian businessman, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola. His transition to journalism began with him writing for publications like *African Concord* and later serving as the Literary Editor and subsequently the Features Writer for *May Ellen Ezekiel's Classique Magazine*. In 1993, Momodu founded a political newspaper, *The Weekend Concord*, which quickly became a popular and influential publication. His outspoken political commentaries, particularly during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, led to persecution, forcing him into exile in London in 1996. While in exile, he conceived and launched *Ovation International* in 1996, intending to present a positive and celebratory view of African personalities and events globally. *Ovation* quickly became a benchmark for African celebrity journalism. Upon returning to Nigeria in 1999, he continued to expand the magazine's presence across the African continent and the diaspora. Beyond publishing, Momodu has also been a prolific columnist, most notably with his widely read weekly column, "Pendulum," published across various platforms, including his popular digital news outlet, The Boss Newspaper. **Major Achievements and Current Status** Dele Momodu's career has been marked by several significant achievements. The longevity and success of *Ovation International* cemented his status as a media entrepreneur. His consistent column, "Pendulum," has served as a platform for socio-political commentary and earned him recognition for journalistic bravery, particularly during the military era. In addition to his media endeavors, Momodu has been active in politics. He contested the Nigerian presidency under the National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2011. In 2022, he declared his intention to contest the 2023 Nigerian presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As of his current status, Dele Momodu continues to publish *Ovation International* and remains a vocal public commentator on Nigerian politics and current affairs, leveraging his substantial social media following to engage in public discourse.