Biography
Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian human rights activist, journalist, politician, businessman and founder of Sahara Reporters.
He came into the spotlight after becoming one of the youngest presidential candidates in the 2019 Nigerian elections.
Nigerian politician
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Omoyele Sowore |
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 Omoyele Sowore: History, Photos |
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| Wiki Data | |
| Birth name: | Omoyele Sowore |
| Born: | February 16, 1971 (age 53) |
| Place of birth: | Ese Odo |
| State of origin: | Ondo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Job: | Politician • Journalist |
| Couple: | Opeyemi Sowore |
| Net worth: | $10 million – $30 million |
Early life
Omoyele Sowore was born on February 16, 1971 in Ese Odo, Ondo State. He comes from a polygamous family and has fifteen siblings.
Education
From 1989 to 1995, Sowore studied for a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Urban Planning at the University of Lagos. Due to his activism, his program was extended by two years by the university management. He was expelled twice for his student activism and for political reasons.
From 1992-1994, he was president of the university’s SUG, where he was involved in anti-corruption and anti-cult activities.
Years later, he earned a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University.
Career
While still in college, he participated in student protests across the country. Students protested the terms of a $120 million IMF loan that the government had decided to take.
In 1992, he led more than 5,000 students in a protest against the government, during which police opened fire on the protesters, killing seven of them. This led to Sowore being arrested and tortured by the police.
In 2006, Sowore founded the online newspaper Sahara Reporters in New York, USA. The newspaper was founded with the mission of fighting against government corruption.
Since its inception, the online newspaper has exposed many corrupt activities carried out by high-ranking government officials.
In February 2018, Sowore announced his candidacy for President ahead of the 2019 general elections. Together with other like-minded people, he founded his own party – the African Action Congress (AAC).
When election results were announced in March 2019, Sowore came in fifth.
On 3 August 2019, Sowore was arrested by the DSS and taken to their secret base in Abuja. This was due to his planned nationwide protest called Revolution Now.
He was detained for months and was finally released on bail in December 2019.
Personal life
Omoyele Sowore married his wife, Opeyemi Sowore in 2004. Their marriage is blessed with a son.
Net worth
2019 Presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has an estimated net worth of $10 to $30 million.
Social media
- Instagram: @yelesho
- Facebook: Omoyele Sowore
- Twitter: @OmoyeleSowore
- Phone Number: Private
