Published since 1996, OVATION International was born in London, United Kingdom. It was conceptualized by the Publisher, Dele Momodu, a tried and tested journalist and high-profile editor who was driven into exile by the General Sani Abacha Government in Nigeria.
The magazine was a child of circumstance because rather than take the short route of eking a living through engaging in menial jobs, Momodu decided to stick to his area of core competence: Journalism. His desire was to publish an African magazine for Africans and create a forum where the real picture of Africa would be presented to the world.
OVATION’s main focus which is still its core value today is the celebration of Africa. That was why the first edition rolled out of the press with Egyptian Billionaire and owner of Harrods, Mohammed Al-Fayed on the cover.
That first package was uniquely different, breezy and upscale. The edition showed the high standard and lofty dreams of the publisher and those directors who helped to fuel his dream. Year after year, cover after cover, the magazine has been able to discover and celebrate Africans all over the globe..
Energized by the fact that there was so much negativity about the African continent, the OVATION team believed that there was need for a conscious redirection of African news. They were sure this will ultimately lead to a paradigm shift, a shift that will give Europeans and Africa from the lens and words of Africans.
The magazine showed with crisp, clear pictures and well-crafted prose that Africa was not all about war and disease. That we had brilliant minds, creative businessmen and millions of people who through sound education and hardwork live well and celebrate life.
In 2006, this premium brand launched its French version in Cotonou, Benin Republic. OVATION International is geared towards unifying the continent and helping to propagate the ideals of the founding fathers of the African Union. In addition, the company markets OVATION America and OVATION Special (for very exclusive and highbrow events). Ovation reached the Superbrand status in 2008, and was presented with a seal that is exclusive to very few major corporations in the world.
The magazine was appointed by Buckingham Palace to cover the visit of Her Majesty The Queen to Nigeria in 2003. It was accredited by the State Department to travel with His Excellency President G.W. Bush when he went on a Latin American Tour in 2007.
OVATION is 100 percent truly African. It is an African company, fueled by the African spirit of doggedness, and determination, but driven by first-rate, world-class standards. We are No.1 in Celebrity Stories. No.1 in Qualitative Stories, No.1 in African Stories and have remained No.1 in people’s hearts since our inception.
VISION
To be Africa’s leading Media Company.
MISSION
To show that Africans are capable of excellence by always celebrating the best African events and the brightest African people.
