Dufil Prima commits to Indomie heroes award, begins 2015 edition

The search for the 2015 Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Dufil Prima Foods plc, maker of Indomie Instant Noodles, has commenced, giving thousands of Nigerian children the chance to be rewarded.

The company, which said it was committed to the award, has already called for nominations from the public for the 2015 edition of the award. Under the programme, children between five and 15 years, who have shown exemplary courage in a difficult situation to save life or property of someone else or have risen against challenges and limitations of the society, are eligible for nomination.

Tope Ashiwaju, public relations and event manager of the company, on behalf of Deepak Singhal, group managing director, Dufil Prima Foods, told journalists while unveiling the 2015 programme in Lagos, that the award was significant as it was rooted in the recognition of Nigerian children, those whose best efforts were very often overlooked.

“We believe that they need to be identified and celebrated publicly in other to encourage and inspire more selfless acts in these children, who would tomorrow hold various leadership positions in the country,” he said.

The last seven editions have been tremendous and received remarkable commendations from well-meaning Nigerians, we are therefore poised to reflect on how to make it better and more glamorous, he said.

According to Deepak, “The initiative over the years owing to our commitment as a company to continuously impact positively on the lives of our consumers most importantly the children who represent the future have been sustained. The joy we feel in giving back to the society as a responsible corporate citizen brings our founding principles to life.”

The award scheme is a yearly event, but the criteria are made such that, the act does not necessarily have to be done in the year of the award.

Speaking on the selection process, Tola Bademosi, managing director, BD Consult Limited, said all entries will be scrutinised by a screening committee, who will later provide a shortlist for consideration by a panel of judges. In order to get deserving individuals for the award, an independent research organisation has been commissioned to further screen and confirm the authenticity of the shortlisted entries, he said.

He said notable Nigerians will be shortlisted as judges for this year’s event and their names will be made known to the public at a later date.

At the end of the judging process, a final selection of three best acts from the available entries will be adjudged based on certain criteria, which include 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 is an inspirational role model for other children, among others.

Each recipient (first, second and third) of the award will get a scholarship award valued at N1,000,000.00, N750,000.00 and N500,000.00, respectively.

 

Daniel Obi