If you are an ardent follower of the recent happenings in the political circle in Nigeria then the name Omoyele Sowore should not be strange to you. Omoyele Sowore is a political phenomenon on his own. Even if you are not aware of his political ambition and movement you should have heard of Sahara Reporters. Sahara Reporters is a brainchild of Sowore and is regarded as one of the best online news reporting bodies in Nigeria today.
Sowore leads the political movement with the slogan #takeitback and he has declared his intention to run for the highest seat in the land in the next elections. To make known his intention and engage Nigerians he has devised several means. Some of these include the use of social media, town hall meetings, live programs, etc.
I believe if you are reading this article you have some interest in knowing more about Omoyele Sowore. This article promises to provide you with sufficient information regarding his biography, education, net worth, personal life, and political ambition amongst others. It promises to be interesting and eye opening so grab a snack for the ride.
Omoyele Sowore’s biography
Sowore was born 47 years ago in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. He hails from Ilaje in Ondo State in the South Western part of Nigeria. He was born into a polygamous family with 16 children. It is recorded that he had to learn how to ride a motor bike at the young age of 12. This was necessary so that he could catch fish for his family at the lake before going to school daily.
At a young age, Sowore developed a keen interest in media. This passion was fired up during the military regime. Sowore is quoted as saying the manner the media vibrantly criticized the military gave him a sense of direction. At that point, he knew he was going to serve his fatherland and become a Statesman.
He studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos between 1989 and 1995. His academic program was extended for 2 years. The reason for this being that he was expelled twice on account of political and student activism. While leading the Student Union Government of the University between 1992 and 1994 he was a major voice against cultism and corruption.
Sowore had to leave the country to the United States in 1999 for treatment from injuries he sustained from cultist attacks. He went on to establish Sahara Reporters from his room in the United States in 2006. Sahara reporters has since gone to gain international acclaim and huge followership all over the world.
Educational qualifications
Omoyele Sowore studied Geography and Regional Planning at the University of Lagos. He went on to bag a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Columbia University. Asides his journalism he is also a lecturer. He teaches Modern African History at the City University of New York as well as Post-Colonial African History at the School of Arts in New York.
How his Career started
We all know Sowore to be one of the greatest activists of his age showing no fear or favoritism. This did not start today. It started a long while ago. Going back memory lane we can pinpoint that Sowore took part in his first protest in 1989. He joined other students to protest the conditions of the International Monetary Fund loan to Nigeria.
He went on to lead 5,100 youth in a protest against the Nigerian government in 1992. Seven students were killed after the police opened fire to disperse the crowds. Sowore was abducted and grilled after this yet he did not relent. He led another protest the next year to demand for democratic rule in Nigeria. This led to him being arrested and tortured several times by several government officials.
Sowore was a major voice on campus advocating against cultism in universities. His voice was loud and clear against cultists especially when he led the Student Union Government from 1992 to 1994. The cultists were aggrieved and attacked him in 1994. It is recorded that Sowore was beaten, tortured, stripped, and finally injected with lead by the cultists.
Sahara Reporters
Sowore recounting his experiences over the last three decades said he has been threatened countless times. His media team has not also been spared. This is a major reason why he hardly publishes names of reporters or glaring evidence to avoid his team members being manhandled.
Sahara reporters was named thus to kick up a storm in the Nigerian political circle and not because of the geographical location. Sahara reporters has gained financial grants from Ford Foundation and Omidyar Foundation. Part of the policies of the organization does not accept funds or run adverts from the Nigerian Government.
Omoyele Sowore’s Net worth
Though Sowore’s personal net worth is not known he said to be a very wealthy man. He has gained most of his wealth from his media outfit and lecturing jobs. Sahara reporters is said to be worth about $10 million currently. It is amazing that the media outfit has come such a long way after starting up with a laptop bought from Amazon at just $600.
Omoyele Sowore’s family
Sowore is said to be married to one wife and the home is blessed with beautiful children. Sowore, however, loves to keep his family life very private. The reasons for this probably are his line of work and the threats he has or is likely to receive.
Presidential Aspiration
In 2018 Omoyele Sowore started his own political party known as the African Action Congress (AAC). Sowore is known for being outspoken and criticizing the incumbent government led by Muhammadu Buhari.
On the 25th of February, 2018 Sowore stated his intention to run for the Presidency of Nigeria. In his words, he is bent on unseating the Buhari led APC government and bring a real change to Nigeria. To this end, he has carried his campaign to several States of the Federation. To foster his political campaign Sowore started the movement #Takeitback.
A few facts about Omoyele Sowore
- Omoyele Sowore was born on the 16th February 1971 meaning he is aged 47 years.
- He is a graduate of the University of Lagos and the Columbia University.
- Sowore is a blogger, human rights activist, lecturer, writer, and politician.
- He is the founder of Sahara Reporters.
- Website is saharareporters.com.
