In an age where wealth, fame, and fleeting appearances often dominate the spotlight, there remains a quiet, enduring power in character, purpose, and service. Chief Godwin Obla (SAN), a name that resonates far beyond legal circles, stands as a powerful testament to this truth.
A man whose life reflects unwavering integrity and deep humanitarian commitment, Chief Obla has built a legacy not on superficial accolades, but on meaningful actions that transform lives and uplift communities. From his groundbreaking achievements in law to his far-reaching philanthropic ventures, his story is one of substance, sacrifice, and a sincere devotion to the common good.
This reflection explores the depth of his impact and the values that continue to define his extraordinary journey.
No doubt, to a large extent it is not a contestable issue to celebrate talent, panjandrum or admiring good looks, but the fact remains that all these features are surface things and quite ephemeral and could be purchased, blemished and twisted at any slightest opportunity.
So I sat in my mental workshop to meditate and carry out extensive research on great traits that make a person exceptional and distinguished in the race, apart from radiant outlooks.
As I was tasking my thinking cap,I came to terms with the reality of life, that while splendid outlook could be artificially created with make up brushes and a surgeon scalpel, good character, integrity, selfless services and value addition to humanity are qualities that lift us up and sustain us at the pinnacle of greatness throughout our lives.
To these spheres, those who should be singled out for recognition as heroes, accomplishers are people like Chief Godwin Obla SAN, who saw a situation that demanded actions and without procrastination became proactive ‘walk the talk’ and leap into action.
This is one of my core objectives for initiating interaction with achievers and great personage.
In essence, to be around accomplished people in an environment that is saturated with mental energy and renown ambitions turns me on and raise my morale to greater heights.
On this premise as I ink down this piece, one of the greatest traits and sermons of Chief Godwin Obla (SAN) that has always attracted me to his chamber is the fact that an oil of kindness towards the human race flows smoothly through his vein.
Also, the legal icon is an ardent action pilot who will not sit on the mute fence of ineptitudes.
He is a consummate team player with towering integrity and an exceptional conflicts resolution manager, with the cardinal principles of promoting peace and unity among leaders whose responsibilities are to pilot the affairs of this nation and give vision to the younger ones as a tool for effective utilization of untapped resources.
Though, at the on set of his news as the jinx breaker, the first illustrious son of Idoma kingdom to attain the plausible legal apogee, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),my joy littered my atmosphere for showcasing Idoma kingdom to limelight on the prestigious career, but in a twist, when I had of his foundation, Godwin Obla foundation (GOF) that is channeled towards impeccable selfless services, revamping of moribund institutions, community development, empowerment and adding meanings to humanity, I became more joyous and inspired for his stance on trading the paths of reformation.
Chief Obla the mental investor and a polymath of high repute is in tandem with the facts that whenever a person has attained a certain climax in a chosen endeavour without greed, things will take a natural downturn and come up empty, power will become shallow and meaningless, even money will not fill the void inside heart without an outlet, pleasure becomes meretricious and eventually ceased to pleases, but knowing that what one is doing are the right things in the rightful manner and purpose is edifying and worth more than gold.
It will satisfy every deepest desire of the heart and surely meet one’s legitimate needs and demands.
Chief Obla the legal luminary and a winsome leader, your foundation choices and focus towards life saving projects is quite alluring and splendid as it is centered on right diagnosis and management of vital organs that sustain human lives and existence.
In clear terms, when the hearts, livers and kidneys are traumatized and start malfunctioning, all viable engagements are halted and could turned comatose.
The boldness and courageous steps embarked by the foundation in building, equipping, and donating the state of art kidney centers in honour of your deceased wife,Mrs Judith Ogwa Obla, to the first Federal University of Health sciences in Africa, located at Otukpo is quite resplendent and commendable.
The Midas-touch legal icon, the meticulous moderator , will not be surrounded with scoundrels as guest of honour at his dinner for this kind of sumptuous display of charity and generosity as his legacy barn and showroom will be so filled with impactful laurels.
Railing down the diverse remarkable achievements of Chief Godwin Obla Foundation(GOF) on positive impact to humanity viz:
1) Purchase of two Transformers to Akpachi and Ondo in Ugboju.
2) Donation of three million Naira (3m) to Otukpo-Nobi for construction of local bridges.
3) Installation of light at St. Francis College streets, classrooms, and hostels with solar lights.
Donation of five million Naira (5m )to students who are vulnerable and less privileged,
Renovation and equipping to international standard,
Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratory science of St Francis college Otukpo.
4) Renovation of High Court at Otukpo with edifice of world class standard.
5) Built and equipped Barristers Centers to a befitting standard in honour of late Barr. Morgan Ogbole, who was the first lawyer in Benue state
6) Built and donated a standard boys hostels to Wesley high school Otukpo.
Donation of 1.5m Naira to PTA teachers at Wesley high school Otukpo.
7) Donation of Ten million Naira,(10m) to New Vision Initiative firm Technology In Otukpo
8) Donation of 40m Naira Endowment Fund to Federal University of Health Science Teaching Hospital, Otukpo for the best graduating student in Nephrology, Internal medicine, Urology and overall best students.
9) Renovation of St Andrew primary school in honuor of Odeh Obla
10) Scholarship to over hundred medical students
11) Scholarship to over hundred law students
For this mega contributions towards building a rancour free and egalitarian society, we say well done, good and faithful servant leader, you have been faithful with few things, may God put you in charge of many things.
