Osita Chidoka, Dele Momodu Visit Amaechi Over Mother’s Death
ISSN: 2354-4481
By William Ndubuisi
PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State
Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, and media entrepreneur and publisher of Ovation International, Chief Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu, popularly known as Dele Momodu, have paid a condolence visit to former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, HE Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, following the death of his mother, Dame Ezinne Mary Orduah Amaechi.
The visit brought together Amaechi and the two long-time associates, who stopped by to offer their sympathies and support to the former governor and his family during the period of mourning.
Dame Ezinne Mary Orduah Amaechi died at the age of 89. Amaechi announced her death in July 2026, describing his late mother as a beloved family matriarch. The announcement subsequently attracted condolences from political associates, friends and public figures across the country.
Chidoka and Momodu are among several prominent Nigerians who have continued to identify with Amaechi at the time of his bereavement.
Chidoka, an indigene of Obosi in Anambra State, is a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Records show that he served as FRSC Corps Marshal from 2007 to 2014 before becoming Aviation Minister in 2014.
A check of available records also confirms the description of Chidoka as the Chancellor of the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. The centre identifies him as its Founder and Chancellor and describes the organisation as an independent, not-for-profit policy institution focused on evidence-based public policy, democratic governance and leadership development across Africa.
Chidoka has remained active in public-policy discussions since leaving government. In recent engagements, he has spoken on democratic institutions, electoral reform, governance and road safety, reflecting his continuing involvement in policy and civic affairs.
Momodu, meanwhile, is a veteran journalist, publisher and businessman best known as the founder and publisher of Ovation International. The publication was established in 1996 and has developed into a prominent African lifestyle and celebrity media brand Ovation International has also described Momodu as a figure whose career has intersected with journalism, business, politics and public affairs.
Momodu has also been active in Nigerian politics and public discourse. He contested the 2011 presidential election and later sought the presidential nomination of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2023 election.
The condolence visit underscores the longstanding personal relationships between Amaechi and both Chidoka and Momodu.
Amaechi, who served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015, later became Minister of Transportation under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He remains a prominent figure in Nigerian opposition politics and has continued to maintain relationships across political, business and media circles.
The death of his mother has prompted visits and messages of sympathy from political leaders, associates and friends.
The gathering with Chidoka and Momodu was therefore primarily a moment of personal solidarity, as the two visitors joined others in offering support to the former governor and his family following their loss.
