Omoyele Sowore

Omoyele "Yele" Sowore is a Nigerian human rights activist, pro-democracy campaigner, journalist, and political figure. He is the founder and publisher of *Sahara Reporters*, an influential online news agency that focuses on accountability, corruption, and social justice issues in Nigeria.Early Life and Education Omoyele Sowore was born on February 16, 1971, in Kiribo, Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a rural setting and developed an early commitment to activism. Sowore attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he served as the President of the Students' Union Government (SUG) between 1992 and 1994. During this period, he was heavily involved in student movements and pro-democracy protests against military rule in Nigeria, notably participating in the protests following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. His activism led to his expulsion from the university twice, although he eventually completed his studies, earning a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Planning. After relocating to the United States, Sowore pursued further education, obtaining a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University.Career Progression and Notable Works Sowore’s career is defined by his commitment to media and activism. **Journalism and Sahara Reporters:** In 2006, Sowore founded *Sahara Reporters*, a groundbreaking news platform based in New York City. The platform is renowned for its citizen journalism approach and its unflinching exposés on government corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria and across Africa. *Sahara Reporters* quickly established itself as a major source of investigative reporting, often publishing stories that traditional Nigerian media outlets avoided due to censorship or political pressure. **Political Activism and Presidential Candidacy:** In the late 2010s, Sowore transitioned into active political campaigning, formalizing his commitment to institutional change in Nigeria. He was the founder of the African Action Congress (AAC) political party. Sowore ran for the office of President of Nigeria in the 2019 general elections, campaigning on a platform of radical change, accountability, and the socio-economic liberation of the Nigerian populace, encapsulated by the hashtag \#TakeItBack.Major Achievements Sowore’s major achievements are closely linked to his persistent advocacy for democratic principles and transparency. * **Pioneering Investigative Journalism:** The establishment of *Sahara Reporters* fundamentally shifted the landscape of Nigerian media, creating a powerful, independent voice for exposing high-level corruption. * **A Catalyst for Youth Mobilization:** His 2019 presidential campaign and subsequent mass movement, \#RevolutionNow, effectively mobilized a significant segment of the Nigerian youth population to demand political and economic reforms. * **Civil Rights Advocacy:** Sowore has consistently challenged the Nigerian government on issues of governance and human rights through demonstrations, legal action, and media campaigns, often at significant personal risk.Current Status Omoyele Sowore remains an active and vocal figure in Nigerian politics and civil society. His political activities often place him in direct conflict with the authorities, leading to multiple arrests and ongoing legal proceedings. The *RevolutionNow* movement, which he spearheaded, continues to advocate for systemic governmental overhaul. He continues to run *Sahara Reporters* and actively uses social media platforms to disseminate news, rally public support, and comment on current affairs, maintaining his stance as a leading voice of opposition and dissent in Nigeria.