The publisher of awards winning Ovation International Magazine, Bashorun Dele Momodu, recounts his harrowing experience, detailing how he fled Nigeria, escaping the military dictatorship and navigated through the Seme border into Cotonou, Lome, and eventually Ghana, with the help of friends and acquaintances.
Bashorun Momodu’s journey was not without its challenges, as he faced taunts from those who couldn’t see the future, but remained steadfast in his convictions.
Momodu said his faith and courage guided him as he fled to London on July 28, 1995.
He attributed his success to God’s guidance and provision, which ultimately led to the establishment of Ovation International Magazine, a global brand that has become synonymous with excellence.
In the face of current political upheavals, Momodu said he remained resolute in his stance against dictatorship, emphasizing the importance of standing firm on one’s principles, even when it’s unpopular or challenging.
Momodu’s commitment to freedom and democracy is unwavering, and he refuses to support any form of oppression, even if it means going against the status quo.
Momodu also expressed his deepest gratitude to the families and friends who supported him during his journey, just as he acknowledged the debt of gratitude he owes them and prays that God blesses them all.
Momodu’s story serves as a testament to the power of faith, conviction, and determination in the face of adversity.
His words: ”Exactly 30 years ago today, July 25, 1995, I “dialogued with my feet” and fled the country of my birth.
”I will not bore you with details of how I navigated and meandered my way out of the Seme border, into Cotonou, Lome, passing through the forests of a thousand daemons, crossing Aflao border, and landing in Accra, Ghana, by dusk.
”I was accompanied to Benin Republic by Captain Rotimi Seriki(RIP), Odole Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Olakunle Sikiru Bakare. I’m eternally grateful to them”, he added.
The Publisher also said, ”It was the beginning of a journey into the unknown. I bursted into tears, sporadically, as I sped away from military dictatorship in Nigeria.
”I spent three nights in Ghana before fleeing to London on July 28, 1995. It was Spiritually and meticulously arranged and packaged. And GOD took control.
”This experience taught me a big lesson. You should always play your part fearlessly and courageously, based on your personal principles and conviction.
”I was taunted by visionless people who could not see far into the future. But God compensated me with Ovation International Magazine, a second, and third address, and a global brand, all beyond my dreams.
”We are back in that season of political upheavals and many people expect me to travel their own familiar and convenient routes.
”I can’t, and I won’t. I will never support dictatorship, even if my biological father is the President.
”We fought for freedom from the military junta and should absolutely reject civilian servitude.
”I give God all the glory. Please, thank Him on my behalf. My debt of gratitude to all the families and friends I met along the way, till this day… May GOD bless you all.”, he added.
