A Special Birthday Toast and Tribute to Aare Dele Momodu @ 65 By Dr. Dayo Olomu
I was privileged to be one of the guests at his wedding in 1992 at Ijebu Igbo and at his 35th birthday in 1995.
There are four things that I admire greatly about Aare Dele Momodu.
The first is his courage in the face of adversity. He shares the belief of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that “it is not the life that matters but the courage you bring to it.” He also embodies Winston Churchill’s assertion: “Courage is rightly considered the foremost of the virtues, for upon it all others depend.” As we all know, unflinching courage is a fundamental requirement for leadership, and Aare demonstrated this boldly with Ovation. As a founding member of the magazine’s staff and a contributor, I joined him in selling the first edition on London’s streets in 1996, a dream many ridiculed at the time. Today, that humble venture is a global brand, a testament to divine grace: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22).
The second is his love for his family. He lives by the principle that private victory precedes public victory, investing deeply in his role as a husband to Chief (Mrs.) Mobolaji Momodu and a father to Pekan, Yole, Eniafe, and Korewa. As Stephen R. Covey wrote in The 8th Habit, “Parenthood is the most important leadership responsibility in life,” and Aare’s devotion to his family shines as brightly as his public achievements.
The third is his exceptional ability to build and maintain relationships. Aare understands that relationships are the bedrock of enduring success. His gift for fostering connections spans continents and industries, turning colleagues into confidants and critics into collaborators. At Ovation, he rallied a global community of supporters, transforming readers into ambassadors. As Maya Angelou wisely noted, “People will forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” This ethos radiates through Aare’s sincere interactions, building a network that has sustained his ventures for decades.
The fourth is his sense of humility. Despite his stature, he treats everyone with respect and kindness. Zig Ziglar, one of my speaking mentor, once said, “Humility opens more doors than arrogance ever will,” and Aare’s humility has indeed opened countless opportunities. His grounded nature endears him to both the mighty and the modest, proving that true greatness lies in grace.
Aare, May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and grant you peace. May He protect you, bless your family, and cause your life to blossom like a riverside garden. May mercy and goodness follow you always.
Goddess and I wish you a joyous 65th birthday.
Cheers to a man of courage, family, connection, and humility, a loyal, generous, and vibrant achiever.
To Aare Dr Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, our beloved Bob Dee: Long life and prosperity
