Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State joined family, friends, and notable personalities to celebrate Dele Momodu on his 66th birthday.
The birthday celebration was organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with public discourse on: “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.”
The Spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement, indicated participants condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly, those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.
According to Rasheed, Governor Adeleke eulogised and honoured Dele Momodu, whom he affectionately described as his “twin brother.”
Governor Adeleke praised Momodu, not only as a towering figure in African journalism and publishing; serving as the CEO and Publisher of the celebrated Ovation International magazine but also as an advocate for national unity.
The governor then pivoted to the theme of the day, calling for urgent action to protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
“Xenophobia is a cancer that eats away at the fabric of our shared humanity,” Governor Adeleke said.
“The attacks on our citizens in South Africa and elsewhere demand serious and immediate attention. As leaders, we must come together across borders to ensure that these hostilities stop.
"We cannot speak of a united Africa while our brothers and sisters are targeted simply for being Nigerian", the governor noted.
The governor further pledged his administration’s full support for initiatives aimed at ending xenophobic violence against Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing that diplomatic and collaborative efforts are necessary to safeguard the dignity of African citizens everywhere.
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