Having imparted values to beneficiaries in various spheres as an actor, journalist, motivational speaker, publisher, mentor and businessman; the CEO of Ovation International, Bashorun Dele Momodu, has added a new diadem to his trailblazing feats by launching three books on Wednesday, July 10, 2018.
The books which were written in the honour of the late uncrowned president of Nigeria and winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola, included a collection of Chief Momodu’s articles for more than 20 years on the back pages of ThisDay entitled: Pendulum I & II; while the third which was entitled: Fighting Lions had in it, the untold stories of Bashorun 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 top notch as it had several prominent Nigerians in attendance. They had many good tales to tell about Chief Momodu especially, on 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 Momodu wondering how such an individual could pool the calibre of people present. The first noticeable dignitary was the wife of the immediate past Ooni of Ife, Oloori Ladun Sijuade, who did not only come to show solidarity, but also expressed love and profound gratitude to the author for his support for the royal family in the past. Astute businessman and billionaire, Aare Razaki Okoya, and the wife of the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs Modupe Oguntade were there too.
Also present were 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, Pastor Tunde and Mrs 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, Dakuku Peterside and Mrs Nike Oshinowo. All the way from Ghana came, Chief Alex and Derby Doherty,.
Media gurus and CEOs were also present. Among them were: a Former MD of NAN, TankoYinusa, 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, IjeomaIwagogo, 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, veteran actors, hosts of TV programmes and celebrities came to show support for one of their own, Bashorun Momodu. The likes of Richard Mofe Damijo, RMD, Rachael Oniga,Tunji Alapini and host of others more were equally in the building.
PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE DELIVERS KEY NOTE SPEECH
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 delivering the key note speech entitled: “The pen is still mightier than the sword”. He did not mince words when he expressed how the doggedness of Mr Momodu and several others saw democracy return to the country, after the annulment of Africa’s freest, fairest and most credible election in 1993.
He says: “From now on, anytime the name of the late MKO Abiola GCFR is mentioned with full honours, it’s a 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.”
ABIOLA FAMILY MEMBERS PRESENT TOO
Being an ardent follower of the late Chief MKO Abiola as a staffer, friend and close ally, Chief Dele Momodu did not have problems with bringing to the venue members of Abiola family. One of the wives of the late democrat, Dr Doyin Abiola, came in company of two other children of MKO, Lola Abiola Edewoh and Wura Abiola to show support and gratitude to the man, who stood by their hero even several years after death.
FEMI OTEDOLA, AARE RASAKI OKOYA, GOV IBIKUNLE
AMOSUN LEAD LAUNCHING ROLL CALL
The auditorium was filled to the brim with the crème-de-la-crème of the society. Time would, however, allow only a few to participate in the official launching of the books. Pendulum I was officially launched by Mr Femi Otedola, followed by Pastor TundeBakare, Hajia Bola Shogaya, Governor Ambode, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, former governor Peter Obi and Reverend Mother Esther AbimbolaAjayi.
Pendulum II was officially launched by Aare Rasaki Okoya, Chief Mrs Modupe Oguntade, Prof Adebayo Williams, who represented Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, MrFola Adeola, Mr and Mrs. Kayode Aare, Oloori 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, MrDayoAdeneye, Mr.Donatus Okonkwo, the CEO of Tetrazinni Group, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, MrOlayinka 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, His Royal Majesty, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Dokun Abolarin.
SHUGA BAND THRILLS GUESTS
The Shuga Band was rightly on ground to add entertainment to the glamour the event had. A blend of afro jazz, highlife and hip hop left guests awed as the event went through different high points till the very end.
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