Idoma Voice Awards 2025: Godwin Obla, Meddy Olotu, Tublark emerge winners

The Editorial Board of Idoma Voice Newspapers has announced the winners of the 2025 Idoma Man of the Year Awards, an annual honour that recognises individuals whose contributions, leadership, and public influence have positively shaped the Idoma narrative.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by Barr. David Mike, Chairman of the 2025 Award Committee, following weeks of extensive review and deliberations by the Editorial Board and the Awards Committee.

According to the statement, ace philanthropist and legal luminary, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, emerged as the Idoma TV Man of the Year, while Meddy Emmanuel Olotu, described as a fearless voice for justice, accountability, and the voiceless, was named Idoma Voice Man of the Year.
The committee also named singer and songwriter, Nathaniel Ameh Ogidi, popularly known as Tublark, as the Entertainer of the Year.

The committee explained that the Man of the Year Award, regarded as the highest honour within the Idoma media community, is reserved for individuals whose public conduct, consistency, and influence inspire hope, progress, and positive change within the Idoma nation.

With a distinguished history, the Idoma Man of the Year Award has, over the years, been conferred on notable personalities who have made remarkable contributions across various sectors. Past recipients include Chris Morgan, Enenche Obonyilo Peters, Prof. Shamsudeen Amali, Ogenyi Onazi, Imelda J, Godshield Orokpo, George Alli, Amb. Dickson Akoh, Abel Success, the late Idoma gospel singer Evangelist Otulu Peter, Gordon Oche, Hon. James Oche, Emmanuel Akpakwu, and Peter Adejoh, among others.

Speaking on the selection process ahead of the investiture, the committee noted that while such honours are not exclusive to Idoma Voice, the newspaper confers the award with a deep sense of responsibility, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

According to the committee, recipients are carefully chosen based on public actions and conduct that have demonstrably helped to inspire hope for a better Idoma community. 

The statement further disclosed that the awards will be formally presented to the winners at a ceremonial investiture scheduled for January 2026 in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The event is expected to attract prominent personalities from the media, legal, entertainment, and public sectors, as well as key stakeholders from across the Idoma nation.

IDOMA TV MAN OF THE YEAR – GODWIN OBLA

With over three decades of experience in the Nigerian legal profession, Chief Obla is the Managing Partner of OBLA & Co., Barristers, Solicitors and Arbitration Practitioners, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms. A graduate of the University of Benin, where he obtained his LLB in 1988, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and has since distinguished himself in several high-profile civil and criminal cases.

Renowned for his depth, professionalism, and integrity, Chief Obla is also a prolific legal writer, having authored several authoritative books on Nigerian law and legal practice. He is a member of notable professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association.

Beyond the courtroom, his commitment to social responsibility stands out. He is the founder of the Obla Foundation, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering vulnerable members of society through education, skills acquisition, and capacity development.

The award celebrates not only his legal accomplishments but also his enduring contribution to justice, mentorship, and community upliftment.

IDOMA VOICE MAN OF THE YEAR – MEDDY IMANOEL OLOTU

Popularly described as the “Idoma version of VeryDarkMan,” Meddy Imanoel Olotu has emerged as a fearless voice for justice, accountability, and the voiceless.

A human rights advocate and humanitarian, Meddy Olotu has consistently leveraged his platform to expose social injustice, abuse of power, and misgovernance, drawing both local and national attention to issues affecting the Idoma people. His bold advocacy and grassroots engagement have earned him widespread respect as a defender of truth and a catalyst for social change.

The Idoma Voice Man of the Year award recognises his courage, consistency, and unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power in defence of the people.

IDOMA ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR – NATHANIEL AMEH OGIDI (TUBLARK)

A gifted musician, Tublark has consistently released songs that inspire, uplift, and celebrate Idoma heritage. His song “Oine” speaks powerfully about brotherhood, unity, and the need to love and support one another, emphasizing compassion, communal responsibility, and peaceful coexistence among neighbours.

Another notable work, “Ojonya,” meaning “a standard beautiful woman,” is a heartfelt celebration of the beauty and dignity of the Idoma woman and a tribute to women of Idoma heritage.

His latest release, “Ene-Olohi” (Good Mother), is a soulful and emotional tribute to African mothers. In the song, Tublark recounts his personal story—how his mother endured hardship, sold her own clothes to pay his school fees, and sacrificed endlessly to secure his future.