Nigerian media mogul Dele Momodu will host a high-profile leadership lecture on May 16, 2025, aimed at addressing Africa’s entrenched challenges of hunger and poverty.
The event, titled Dele Momodu Leadership Lecture, will feature former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo as keynote speaker, alongside ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and other regional dignitaries, in what organizers describe as a collaborative push for actionable solutions.
Momodu, founder of Ovation International magazine, framed the summit as a pan-African imperative. “Whether you’re from Ghana, Nigeria, or any other African nation, our biggest challenge remains the same—how do we rescue Africa from the grip of poverty and hunger?” he said. The forum seeks to unite policymakers, economists, and civil society leaders to dissect systemic barriers and amplify proven strategies for equitable development.
Obasanjo, Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, was selected for his decades of advocacy for agricultural reform and poverty alleviation. Momodu praised the statesman’s “clarity and authority” on governance and development, noting his post-presidency work through initiatives like the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library’s agricultural programs. Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, is expected to contribute insights from his focus on youth empowerment and grassroots economic inclusion during his tenure.
The lecture arrives amid worsening food insecurity across Africa, exacerbated by climate shocks, conflict, and economic instability. Recent UN data estimates that over 280 million Africans faced hunger in 2024, with poverty rates stagnating despite global pledges like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Critics argue that fragmented policies and reliance on foreign aid have hampered progress, making localized, leadership-driven interventions critical.
Momodu’s initiative mirrors earlier efforts such as the African Union’s Malabo Declaration on agricultural transformation, though its success may hinge on translating dialogue into tangible investments. Analysts highlight the need for scalable models, such as Nigeria’s Ebonyi State rice farming revolution or Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs program, which temporarily boosted food production but struggled with sustainability.
The 2025 lecture also underscores a growing trend of private-sector-led advocacy in African development. Momodu, whose media empire spans 12 countries, joins figures like Aliko Dangote and Tony Elumelu in leveraging influence to bridge policy gaps. While skepticism persists about elite-driven solutions, proponents argue that convening power can catalyze grassroots partnerships and attract donor funding.
As Africa’s population nears 2.5 billion by 2050, the stakes for addressing poverty and hunger grow exponentially. The Momodu lecture, while symbolic, reflects a broader urgency to redefine resource governance, prioritize agricultural innovation, and empower local economies a test of whether political will can align with grassroots needs in reshaping the continent’s future.
