Having imparted lives in various spheres as an actor, journalist, motivational speaker, publisher, mentor and businessman; the CEO of Ovation international, Bashorun Dele Momodu has added to his trail blazing feats by launching three books on Wednesday, July 10, 2018.
The books which were written in the honour of the late president of Nigeria and winner of the 1993 June 12 election, Bashorun MKO Abiola included a collection of Mr Momodu’s articles for more than 20 years on the back page of ThisDay newspapers were titled Pendulum I & II; while the third which was titled Fighting Lions had in it, the untold stories of Dele Momodu’s presidential campaign, why he lost the 2011 presidential election and lessons learnt.
Held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island in Lagos, the event was undoubtedly topnotch as it had several prominent Nigerians in attendance with many of them having good tales to tell about Mr Momodu especially his loyalty to close friends and associates.
Anchored by a master class presenter and stand-up comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, the event left those who had not really met Mr Momodu wondering if such a single individual could pull the caliber of people present. The first noticeable dignitary was the wife of the immediate past Ooni of Ife, Olori Ladun Sijuade who did not only come to show solidarity but also expressed love and profound gratitude to the author for his supports for the royal family from time immemorial, astute businessman and billionaire Razaq Okoya, Nigerian high commissioner to the UK, Mrs Modupe Oguntade.
Also present was the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, the senior pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly and his wife, Tunde Laide Bakare, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Africa’s most influential CEO of Forte Oil, and philanthropist Femi Otedola, Hajia Bola Shagaya, CEO Globacoms,Otunba Mike Adenuga jnr, ably represented by Andrew Opaleke and Arinze Anakpugas, DG Nigerian Maritme Administration and Safety Agency, Dakoko Peterside, Mrs Nike Oshinowo, and all the way from Ghana, Chief Alex and Derby Doherty.
Supports also came from the media practitioners with the presence of many high ranking media practitioners. Some of them included former MD of NAN, Tanko Yinusa, Publisher, TheCable, Mr Simon Kolawole, SA Media to ex-president Umar Yar’adua, Segun Adeniyi, CEOof Nigeria’s first women radio WFM, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaya, Mr Bisi Olatilo of Biscon Communication, Mr Dare Babarinsa, MD Arise TV, Ijeoma Iwogugu, Publisher, Nigeria 1.1 and 1.2, Dayo Adedayo.
Entertainers Add Class To The Fun
Being an entertainer per excellence and one of the biggest promoters the Nigerian entertainment industry ever had some veteran actors, TV hosts and celebrities came to show support for their very own Dele Momodu. The like of Richard Mofe Damijo, RMD, Rachael Oniga, Tunji Alapini and many more were equally in the building.
Pastor Tunde Bakare Delivers Key Note Address
Known as a man who has deep hatred for bad governance, Pastor Tunde Bakare who has been passionate about seeing democracy thrive in the country was saddled with the responsibility of speaking on the topic “the pen is still mightier than the sword” did not mince words when he expressed how the doggedness of Mr Momodu and several others saw democracy returned to the country after the annulment of Africa’s freest fairest election in 1993.
He says “from now on, anytime the name of late MKO Abiola GCFR is mentioned with full honours, it’s an honour first to the men who fought for the man who paid the supreme price to pave the way for Nigeria’s democracy and then to the heroes and heroines who stood behind him including the members of the fourth estate of the realm who marshaled the written and spoken words against tyranny.”
The Abiola Family Were Present Too
Being an ardent follower of chief MKO Abiola as a staff, friend and close ally, Mr Dele Momodu did not have problems with bringing in members of the Abiola family. One of the wives of the late democrat, Dr Doyin Abiola came in company of two other children of MKO, Lola Abiola Edeho and Wura Abiola to show support and gratitude to the man who stood by their hero even several years after death.
Femi Otedola, Rasaq Okoya, Gov Ibikunle Amosu Lead Launching Roll Call
The auditorium was undoubtedly filled with the crème-de-la-crème of the society but time would only permit a few to participate in the official launching of the books. Pendulum I was officially launched by Mr Femi Otedola, followed by Pastor Tunde Bakare, Hajia Bola Shogaya, Governor Ambode, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Governor Peter Obi and Reverend mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi.
Pendulum II was officially launched by Aare Rasaq Okoya, Chief Mrs Modupe Oguntade, Prof Adebayo Williams who represented Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr Fola Adeola, Mr and Mrs Kayode Aare, Olori Ladun Sijuade, the Executive Director of NIMASA, Rotimi Fasakin, and Mr. Bisi Olatilo.
The third book, Fighting Lions by Ohimai Godwin Amaize which captured the untold stories of Dele Momodu’s presidential campaign, was officially launched by Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state who was represented by his commissioner for Information, Mr Dayo Adeneye, Mr Donatus Okonkwo, the CEO of Tetrazinni Group, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Mr Olayinka Akintunde, Mr Sijibomi Ogundele, the MD/CEO Siji Motors, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ably represented by Mr Jimi Agbaje, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan, Lagos state commissioner for information, and lastly, HIM, the Orogun of Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin.
Shuga Band Thrill Audience
The Shuga band was rightly on ground to add entertainment to the glamour the event had. A blend of afro jazz, high-life and hip hop left audience awed as the event went through different high points till the very end.
READ ALSO: PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS AMBASSADOR QUEEN WORLU
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
