Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, long name indeed, is simply and widely known as Dele Momodu. He is a Nigerian journalist, publisher, actor, businessman, motivational speaker and a philanthropist.
Dele was born on the 16th of May, 1960. He hails from Ile-Ife, Osun State in south western Nigeria. He is the last born in a family of three children.
Dele’s Educational Background
Dele had his primary and secondary education in his home town and later obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Yoruba and a Master’s degree in English Literature in 1988.
He also attended the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana and a Doctorate (PhD) holder, Doctor of Humane Letters’ title on the 30th of July, 2016.
At an early age of 13, Dele lost his father making him to live a difficult life that lies ahead of man. He had to struggle to provide for himself while growing up, not minding the vacuum created by his father’s death.
After the death of his father, the mantle of responsibility to cater for him and his two siblings fell on his mother, a task that was not easy. His mother was a hardworking, focused unto God and a disciplinarian who did her best to ensure that the children had a comfortable living and quality education.
On the 18th of May 2007, the news of Dele’s mother’s death was broken, making him very sad. It was indeed a painful moment for Dele who broke down and wept like a baby.
In nostalgia, Dele recalled his past with his mother who he described as a good teacher who made a positive influence in his life today. He remember his mother’s words of encouragement never to give up in difficult times even when things seem not going the way it should be. According to him, “she never gave up on me for once”.
Achievements
Dele Momodu, in his journey of life, has achieved so much. We can only summarize numerous achievements so far recorded, though not without challenges to the top.
• Dele taught as a teacher at the College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife.
• He worked with the then Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo as his Personal Assistant between 1983 to 1985.
• In 1996, Dele served as a manager at Motel Royal Limited, owned by the former Oni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sibuwade, Olubuse II.
• He has also worked as a staff writer with the then Concord Magazine, the late Chief Moshood Abiola. His versatility and hard work earned him the much opportunity to assume various positions in print Medias including National Concord, Business Concord, the popular Yoruba news paper “Isokan” among others.
• Dele was also an editor of May Ellen Ezekiel Classique, a celebrity magazine between 1990 and 1991 making him one of the highest paid editor in Nigeria at the time.
• In 1996, Dele set up Ovation International Magazine in the USA. He returned to the country after the death of Abacha with branches of Ovation in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.
Currently, Ovation stands out as African most celebrated magazine with Dele the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), known for quality pictures and authentic news to Africa and the entire world.
In 1993, Dele joined Moshood Abiola Campaign Group to protest June 12 mandate. It would be recalled the late Abiola won the election but was denied the mandate which consequently received national and global condemnation.
He was arrested by the late Sani Abacha government, tortured and detained for a period of time. Fortunately for Dele, he escaped and went into exile in neighbouring Togo and Ghana for years before entering the U.K and USA.
Dele’s Marital Life
On the 19th of April 1992, Dele Momodu married Mobolaji Abiodun and the marriage had the blessing of four children.
Dele Momodu’s Net Worth
Dele Momodu is a successful journalist and Publisher with a net worth of about $40 million dollars.
Many thanks for reading about Dele Momodu’s biography and net worth. Your comments are also welcome.