Born Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, Chief Dele Momodu, popularly referred to as Bob Dee by his numerous admirers is one great Nigerian of merit whose achievements in life are not only impressive and inspiring but also worthy of emulation.
At an early age of thirteen, the young Dele Momodu suffered a monumental loss in the death of his father but he refused to see this as an excuse for him to end up a failure in life, he took life’s challenges headlong conquering them as they came- Breaking All Barriers To Success and eventually arriving at a desired destination where today he occupies an enviable position as one of society’s role models!
With the benefit of mentoring and support from both maternal and paternal relatives who were mainly academicians, Dele Momodu bagged a University Degree at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Yoruba-another way through which the young Momodu was proving his love for his root because at the time most young people who were being admitted into universities in Nigeria would most certainly prefer to study courses with foreign nomenclatures.
He later worked at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science (OSCAS) Ile-Ife, where he lectured in Yoruba and English Literature.
Subsequently, Dele worked with Premiere Newspaper, owned by Chief Akin Omoboriowo ( a former Ondo State Deputy Governor) before proceeding to manage the Motel Royal Ltd at Ile Ife, owned by HRH. The Ooni Of Ife, Oba Sijuade. Afterwards he left to pursue his Masters Degree in literature in English at the University of Ife.
Dele then moved on to live in Lagos for the very first time after only being there a couple of times before, to start his journalism career with the African Concord. He became the news editor of the Weekend Concord, that made him no.3 in the organization’s hierarchy.
He proceeded to join Classique Magazine, which was one of the biggest in Nigeria at the time, to become the highest paid Editor in the whole of the country.
He later resigned from his high-paying news magazine job, to become a 'Bread Seller', i.e. a major distributor for Wonder Bakery.
Afterwards, he started a Public Relations outfit called Celebrities Goodwill Ltd and his first client was Summit Oil International owned by the Late Chief MKO Abiola.
Dele got married to his heartthrob, former Miss Mobalaji Adaramaja on the 19th of December and the marriage is now blessed with children.
By the end of January 1993, Dele joined Late Chief MKO Abiola when the latter suddenly decided to go into politics and this changed Dele's life forever. He handled Chief Abiola's media campaign and in July, he was arrested and locked up at the famous Alagbon Close, for his role in Abiola's political campaign.
Dele was one of the last set of people to see Late Chief MKO Abiola as a free man before he was arrested and detained. Unfortunately, he never saw him again till he died.
In July 1995, Dele was returning from Abeokuta and met his wife on the way, who informed him not to go home as four hefty men had earlier being to their house to warn him to disappear, as the military junta was on the hunt for him.
On July 26 1995, dressed as a farmer, Dele escaped through the bush into Cotonou, Togo, then Ghana and finally to the United Kingdom. His wife and their first son later joined him and they were all housed by his friend Gbenga Olunloyo.
Life’s challenges were in their peak for the Momodus that even when they got their first apartment in London, they could not afford to buy beddings, cutleries and other household items. It was then that help came from Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu,a former Governor of Lagos State who was also in exile at the time.
Raising funds to serve as initial capital through loans from individuals, Dele Momodu started Ovation Magazine for which he set up office in the prestigious Dockland area in London, where he hosted a lot of celebrities from various parts of the world!
Ovation is regarded as the biggest and best African Celebrity Magazine printed in London. The magazine is now very popular worldwide.
Ovation has been able to feature prominent celebrities and achievers, ranging from Presidents of various countries to movers and shakers of the society.
Ovation is still waxing stronger in the entertainment industry. Dele believes that the journey is still very long, as only 30% of his projection for Ovation Magazine has been covered so far.
Moreover, Ovation has been an inspiration to many other aspiring magazines.
Quotes from Bob Dee.
"A magazine is a reflection of the publisher. It determines his character and style"
"If you are carrying an elephant on your head and busy searching for ants on the ground, you may end up losing everything"
"Success is a combination of so many things. Luck is one of it, having a good family and friends."
"I believe I am the only Nigerian with first degree in Yoruba and second degree in Literature in English."
"Ovation has been inspirational to other upcoming Magazines."
Recipient of several awards especially from youth organizations, chief Dele Momodu holds chieftaincy titles from various kingdoms and he is a custodian of the tradition of several cultures spread across nations of Africa.
Now Chief Dele Momodu, this illustrious son of the African soil, a campaigner for positive change in the society and a proud promoter of the culture of his people will be at this one day Self Development Conference where he will be making the Opening Remarks while also speaking on the power of STAYING FOCUSED. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask him all questions relating to the theme of the conference-BREAKING ALL BARRIERS TO SUCCESS. Lots of success secrets will be revealed as chief Dele Momodu shares his success secrets and testimonials with the people. You can therefore prepare for immense impartation of knowledge!
