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Pekan is the eldest child of the publisher of Ovation International, Mr. Dele Momodu. In this interview with GBENGA ADENIJI, he talks about things that make his father special
Can you please give a brief profile of yourself?
I am Oluwapekansayemi Momodu, son of Mr. And Mrs. Dele momodu. I am 19 years old. I graduated from Harrow School in London, United Kingdom this year and I am currently studying computing at Imperial College in London. I am the eldest of four boys; Enitanyole, Eniafelamo and Enikorewafunmi, in that order. I love gadgets and technology but I also like to play football and table tennis when I can.
Why are you not studying a media-related course since your father is a renowned journalist?
My father has always encouraged my brothers and I to pursue our dreams. Computing is my passion and I decided to study it many years ago. He gave me his suggestions but ultimately, he left the decision up to me under the condition that whatever I chose to do, I would do it well. I plan to do just that.
What memory of your growing up years with him can you recall?
He was usually not around so I cherished the time that we did have together. A day I remember well was when he wrote an article by hand and asked me to help him type it as he dictated it. I doubt that he would remember the day but it was particularly memorable to me because I was very impressed by my father’s rich vocabulary. I had to ask for the spellings and meanings of many words which I’d never heard before. It really made me appreciate language. I also remember how he would always encourage me to make up with my brothers after we fought. He would tell us to hug which was always difficult to do after a fight.
Considering the busy nature of his job, how did he create time for his family?
It must have been difficult for him to find time but he always tried to come home as often as possible and would call us a lot whenever he was not around. I remember not really seeing him so often as a child but we have definitely been seeing him a lot more frequently in recent years. It is helpful that we live in Nigeria as well as London now. It is a lot easier for him to return home.
How often did he take his family out for picnic on those days?
We never went on a picnic as far as I remember but we would sometimes go out to eat at a famous Chinese restaurant, first in St. John’s Wood and now on Baker Street.
How does he relax at home whenever he is around?
It is rare to catch my father relaxing. His phones are perpetually vibrating and ringing. However, he sleeps when he has the opportunity to do so and also loves listening to music, watching football and tweeting. The only time he can truly relax is when he is on a plane. I know he also reads a lot of books.
What are the values you have imbibed from him?
He always taught me to respect people, including myself. He taught me never to give up. He is a man who has overcome many obstacles in his life. He also taught me to remember who I am at all times. He often reminds me not to succumb to peer pressure, or try to copy the habits of privileged kids. He told us what his parents used to tell him too: ‘Always remember the son of whom you are’.
I have also learned the responsibilities of being the eldest child. He refers to me as my brothers’ daddy when he isn’t around. I find Nigerian culture very important as well. He studied and taught Yoruba at A-level and can speak it to a level which most fluent speakers of Yoruba would not be able to decipher what he is saying. I try to speak Yoruba every now and then. I can understand it when I hear it being spoken but I’m not very good at speaking it myself. I am practising though. I love languages generally and have studied Japanese, Italian, Latin, French and Spanish at different times. I am continuing my studies of Japanese at university.
How has his name opened doors for you when people know you are one of his children?
I don’t think I have received any sort of favouritism because of who my father is, nor would I have ever expected to receive such anyway. My father is a sort of man that finds it hard to ask for favours. I only know of a few he regards as mentors and benefactors who have been very kind to him and he never fails to talk about them publicly.
What are the values your father holds dear?
He values respect very highly. I cannot count the number of times he has told my brothers and I about how respectful he was towards his father and older siblings. He regards most human beings as equals and we sometimes leave our beds for his employees to occupy while we squeeze ourselves on one bed. We are never allowed to be rude to anyone. He loves his family dearly and values spending time with us as much as possible and being in contact no matter where he may be. He is a very patriotic man with very high hopes for Nigeria. He has fought injustice and corruption and believes with every fibre of his being that Nigeria is great and will only become greater. Education is very important to him. He asks about school every single time we speak and he always reminds me to focus on my studies.
How did he handle disagreement with your mother?
My parents are both strong individuals, so they are not afraid to argue. Eventually, one of them will give in and then they move on. My mother is tough and likes to get her way. In all the years I’ve lived with her, she has almost never been wrong. Although her methods may be slightly unorthodox at times, she always knows what she’s doing.
Did your father discuss with his family when he wanted to contest the presidency?
He was very sure of his decision right from the start. My mother was a bit worried at first but we all supported his decision. He told us what he aimed to do for Nigeria as President and it was all so well thought out. I don’t know much about politics personally but he clearly knew what he was doing and had the resolve to see it through to the end. I could not fault his decision.
What was his reaction when he lost the election?
He was disappointed but he kept an optimistic mind-set. He was proud to have received as many votes as he did and that he had gone all the way without backing out. He was not discouraged at all and was soon talking about 2015.
Would you encourage him to re-contest the Presidency if he wishes to?
Yes, I would.
Why would you?
His dreams for Nigeria are beautiful and his love for the country is absolutely sincere. I feel he could do so much for our beloved country if given the chance. From an obscure background, he has managed to build himself into a global brand which is no easy feat.
How do you feel each time he expresses his displeasure about the state of the country, especially in his columns?
It makes me sad to always hear about the plethora of problems and challenges that Nigeria is facing but he always seems to have the answers. He formulates solutions and is always willing to do as much as he can to help remedy each situation. However, he has his limits and change doesn’t come that easily.
Do you read his columns?
He broadcasts the links to his columns weekly and when I have time, I do try to read some of them. I’ve often watched him as he writes them and I see the effort and concentration he puts into them.
What impression do they give you about him as a father and Nigerian?
I find them to be very passionate and they do leave me with the impression that there is hope for Nigeria. It always impresses me how he keeps such a positive outlook. I have read some of the comments that people have posted in response to his columns as well and they tend to be very mixed. I feel he is brave to be able to express his thoughts so openly, knowing that there are individuals who disagree with him so vehemently. Some of them even rebuke and insult him personally. It is also nice reading all the comments which are posted in agreement and to see that he has moved and inspired so many people.
Who are your father’s friends?
I fear that any formal list I conjure would be inconclusive. He has many friends all over the world. The ones I have had the honour of meeting are all really good people and I like them very much. They are like part of our family.
How did he enforce discipline on any of his children who did something wrong?
He did not punish us very much. I had to face the wall on a small number of occasions but he usually lectures us instead. The tone of disappointment in his voice was always very overwhelming and it was enough to make us regret our actions. We all respect him very much so we would never go against his authority.
How do you feel being his son?
I feel proud to be his son. He has achieved so many great things and he is an incredible role model. He has become my goal. I have challenged myself to surpass him one day. But he has set such a high standard that I think it will be a difficult task.
What is his favourite meal?
I am not sure if it’s his favourite meal per se, but he loves to eat akara (bean cake) and ogi (pap) in the mornings. He often enjoys it with my brother, Eniafe. The rest of us don’t really eat it like they both do though. He also loves amala (yam flour) with ewedu and gbegiri (bean soup). Again, Eniafe is his partner in that area.
Does he have any special mode of dressing?
He wears traditional dresses a lot even when he travels abroad. He’s proudly African, and very Nigerian in carriage. He will usually have his signature ‘OV’ sewn in as part of the design. He also wears jeans and a T-shirt at times.
What is his schedule like?
His schedule is extremely varied and volatile. He often has to change or postpone flights. He is a frequent traveller and has visited many countries in every part of the world. The only things that one can expect are for him to be busy all week and working on his PENdulum column which he writes every Friday.
How close are you to him?
We are very close. We talk all the time and we get along very well. We hold same ideals, so we think alike.
How often does he call or visit you since you study abroad?
We speak almost every day. Sometimes, it could be on the phone but we also communicate via BlackBerry Messenger or Skype. When I was at boarding school, he would always visit anytime he was in London or passing through.
Would you consider him rich considering his many influential friends and success as a journalist?
I do not think my father has ever once referred to himself as a rich man. He works very hard to make money. We do not really live like a rich family and we spend in moderation. So, while I would consider him to be comfortable to some extent, I think the connotations of the word “rich” would predicate a more luxurious and extravagant lifestyle. My mum is an Ijebu woman who goes great lengths to avoid wasteful expenditure. My dad is very generous and he feels there is more to life than money. He has touched many lives quietly.
How sociable is he considering the fact that he publishes a global society magazine?
He is very sociable. He is always out and about. He attends many events in many different countries. He also goes out with his friends a lot or sometimes they come and have dinner with us. He has a strong social presence. He can be caught on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram all the time. My friends always marvel at how many followers he has on Twitter. It is always interesting to be around him. He has so many amazing stories about his travels around the world from meeting the Queen of England to being on a plane that was struck by lightning. He really has a way with words. When he speaks, people want to listen. He doesn’t really enjoy parties but he will always try his best, at least, to make a quick appearance.
