Chief Dr. Dele Momodu - Juliette Omonigho Speech at Osuji & Smith Lawyers Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Chief Dr. Dele Momodu - Juliette Omonigho Speech at Osuji & Smith Lawyers Calgary, Alberta, Canada

CHIEF DR. DELE MOMODU
ON HIS VISIT TO OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA

Delivered by

BARISITER JULIETTE OMONIGHO
OSUJI & SMITH LAWYERS, DIRECTOR, FOOT IN THE DOOR INITIATIVE

I cannot even believe that this is happening. My name is Juliette Omonigho. I am legal counsel at this firm, a Director at the Foot In the Door Initiative, and a huge fan!

So I have the greatest joy and honour to welcome a most distinguished guest: one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, a giant of Africa, a giant in the fields of journalism, publishing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, a global icon, a visionary who changed the way Africa and its stories are told to the world—the epitome of glamour! Just look at him! We stand in awe of your achievements, Chief Dr. Dele Momodu.

Charles Osuji and the whole team of Osuji & Smith lawyers are deeply privileged to welcome you, whose name is synonymous with excellence, integrity, and cultural pride. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, we humbly welcome you to our firm's main location.

Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, your life is an inspiration. From the ancient and storied city of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, you have not only risen to become a global force in media but have also remained true to your roots; you have committed to telling the African story from the African perspective. Your work through Ovation International, magazine and the Boss Newspaper has crossed borders and bridged cultural divides, reflecting a deep understanding of the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Africa and its diaspora.

Can I just talk about Ovation magazine for a moment, Africa’s finest magazine! Wow, I remember the first time I saw an Ovation magazine. Before then, we only saw celebrities from Hollywood in magazines, even in our own local magazines! It was powerful to see Nigerian glamour in print in a glossy, world-class magazine format!

Every Nigerian, from baby boomers to millennials, passed through the excellence delivered by Ovation International. Since its inception in 1996, Ovation has remained a beacon of glamour, culture, and sophistication. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu’s touch of publishing brilliance was unlike anything the continent had seen. It set a new standard, one that many tried to imitate but could never quite replicate. Like-minded magazines emerged, all attempting to be Ovation, which is great because Ovation International set the pace, but none ever reached the same heights. Every magazine wanted to be Ovation, and everyone wanted to be in Ovation.

One of my favourite ads from Ovation back in the day was the cheeky line: “If you’ve already had your wedding and it wasn’t featured in Ovation, you had to do it again.” It was a lighthearted take, but it carried so much truth. Ovation wasn’t just a magazine; it was a cultural movement. There was no denying its gravitational pull. The glitz, the colours, the glamour—we were all captivated. But even beyond that, you celebrated Africa, not just the grand celebrations of the elite of Africa, and I tell you they are grand but also the inspiring stories of everyday heroes. We are all proud that this is our magazine, from Nigeria to Africa and the world!

And as technology evolved, so did Chief Dr. Dele Momodu and Ovation. What’s fascinating is that while others were still trying to catch up, Chief Momodu was already leading the way, entering the digital space. Ovation remains unmatched, a testament to the lasting vision and drive of Chief Dr. Momodu. A great example for others to follow.

You are courageous, and you continue to innovate. Your impact on how the world perceives Africa cannot be overstated. Africa is not a continent of starving children but of unique sophistication and glamour. Because of your contributions, sir, Africa is no longer seen as merely a continent of challenges but one of limitless potential, immense culture, and success—lifting the image of Africa and promoting its stories in the most vibrant and authentic way possible. And now the world proudly sees that.

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