The Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria is a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the company which was primary set up to recognize and reward children between the a
ge of 5 and 15 who have at one time or the other performed act of bravery to save life or property of others at great personal risk to themselves or achieve remarkable feat worthy of recognition.
Speaking at the Press Conference, held at Protea Hotel, Maryland, Lagos, on Thursday, May 19, 2011, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju noted that the Indomie Independence Day Award was borne out of the desire to recognize and reward brave and heroic children to serve as example to other to emulate.
Stating the objectives of the Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria, Mr. Ashiwaju disclosed that the initiative was to identify, acknowledge, and encourage children who have exhibited acts of bravery and made notable sacrifices without any recognition as well as to inspire acts of heroism in youngsters
He revealed that since the inception of the Award in 2008, a total of 9 heroic children have been discovered from nooks and crannies of 30 states across the country and have been rewarded with scholarship worth N1Million ,N750,000 and N500,000.00 for the first, second and third prize winner respectively.
“As a brand with children as our primary consumers, we believe that in every child lies what it takes to become great, however, many brave children today live an extraordinary life without ever being recognized or celebrated. We have responded to the call by many, to recognize and celebrate the acts of bravery and heroism exhibited by Nigerian children. Not only the cosmopolitan and sophisticated, but also those who live in obscurity, lack and insecurity.”He posited.
While noting that the last three editions have been tremendous and received remarkable commendations from well-meaning Nigerians, Ashiwaju promised that the 2011 edition promises to be more elaborate as the company is doing everything within its power to increase level of publicity to call for nomination.
Ashiwaju then announced that the 2011 Award event will hold at the Marquee, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos while stressing that the award scheme is national and will be a yearly event but the criteria is made such that, the act does not necessarily have to be done in the year of the award.
Also speaking at the Press conference, Mr. Tola Bademosi, the Managing Director, BD Consult, which is the Public Relations Consultant to Dufil Prima Foods declared that an Independent Research firm have been commissioned to search for true stories in 10 states to identify the new heroes while members of the public can also send in nominations.
He added that all entries will be scrutinized by a screening committee who later provides a shortlist for consideration by a panel of judges. In order to get deserving individuals for the award, an independent research organization has been commissioned to further screen and confirm the authenticity of the shortlisted entries. He said.
He said notable Nigerians have already been shortlisted as Judges for this year’s event and their names will be made known to the public at a later date.
He added that at the end of the judging process, a final selection of 3 best acts from the available entries will be adjudged based on certain criteria which includes, demonstration of exceptional courage, leadership, excellence, skills displayed, bearing in mind the degree of risk involved, the determination to conduct the act, the future goals and likely impact on society, and whether it’s an inspirational role model for other kids amongst others
Mr. Bademosi commended the Press for their diligence and support for the project from 2008 till date which he said has contributed immensely to the success of the initiative while urging them for their continued support especially by helping to identify children within the age bracket that are qualified for the award.
He announced that apart from the formal profiling and recognition at the award ceremony, each recipient (First, Second and Third) will get a crystal plaque of honor, a certificate of appreciation signed by the CEO of DUFIL in gold pen and a Scholarship award valued at N1,000,000.00, N750,000.00 and N500,000.00 respectively.
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For further Information please contact:
BOLAJI ABIMBOLA
08032501921/07086621560.
bolaji@bdconsultonline.com
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