The 2025 edition of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards (WOMA) concluded on Saturday, December 20 with a live broadcast on TopRadio 90.9 FM.
It marked the final engagement organised by the WOMA 2025 Steering Committee and focused on celebrating excellence while reflecting on the legacy of late entertainment journalist and talent advocate Wale Olomu.
The broadcast was anchored by media professional Femi Akintunde-Johnson and featured reflections on Olomu’s life, values and influence on Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Speaking during the programme, Adebisi Yusuf, who was Olomu’s fiancée before he died in 1994 at the age of 30, described him as a close companion and family figure.
“He was my fiancé, my brother, my friend. He was a good person to his family members,” she said.
Yusuf said Olomu would have embraced recent developments in the entertainment industry because of his belief in its future. She also spoke about her healing journey after his death, noting that his memory remains important to her.
Olomu’s younger brother, Dayo Olomu, thanked the organisers for sustaining his legacy. He said the deceased was committed to discovering and promoting new talent, a principle that continues to guide the awards.
Recipients of the 2025 Special Recognition Awards also spoke during the broadcast. Sam Uquah said he was surprised and grateful for the recognition. Mercy Adishi recalled her friendship with Olomu and described the award as meaningful. Efe Omorogbe said the recognition was special, while Seyi Allen thanked the steering committee.
Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were also announced for Blackman Akeeb Kareem, 79, and Emma Ogosi, 83, musicians and producers known for their work in Afro fusion music and their role in sustaining indigenous Nigerian sounds.
The WOMA 2025 Steering Committee said the finale reflected the purpose of the awards, which include remembrance, recognition and continued support for Nigeria’s creative sector. The committee said the awards would continue to promote excellence, support emerging talent and uphold the values associated with Wale Olomu.
Wale Olomu worked with Nigerian publications including Daily Times, Vintage People and Fame Weekly, with a focus on talent discovery and promotion.
