As part of efforts to strengthen capacity among Young Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through Hero acts, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles over the weekend rewarded three lucky winners who emerged at the 2014 Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) with N6 million scholarships.
Deepak Singhal, Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods, in his welcome address at the event said the seventh edition of the landmark event which coincides with the 2014 International Day of the Girl Child is targeted at identifying, recognising and rewarding children, who have done well in distinguishing themselves by carrying out exemplary heroic acts that have touched the lives of others positively.
“This event is noteworthy as it seeks to fill the gap that exists in celebrating and rewarding the positive efforts, strong character, and achievements of many young children who have exhibited various acts of courage and heroism at one time or the other within the country”.
Singhal disclosed that Dufil Prima Foods identified this gap in 2008 and decided to take up the challenge by not only recognising these young heroes, but also providing scholarship opportunities for these children whose actions have touched lives in their immediate communities and beyond.
He pointed out that the success of this event over the past 7 years proves that it is indeed a landmark Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative needed for the developmental growth of the Nigerian child.
He added that the winners indeed deserve to be celebrated for scaling the strict standards of the panel of judges who followed laid down guidelines as has always been the norm since the inception of the awards.
Before the stories crossed the major hurdles to be deliberated on by the judges, they were verified by the research team after which eyewitnesses were interviewed to ascertain the authenticity of the stories.
Olufunto Igun, Executive Director Corona Schools Trust Council while delivering the keynote address at the event, said “The future of any nation or entity lies heavily on the children, whatever legacy we pass on, whether good or bad could make or mar us as a nation. We therefore must rise up to our responsibility as parents, guardians, school, and government to ensure that the right values are inculcated in the children.”
Addressing the winners as “the salvation for the nation’s future and the economy,” Igun charged more organisations to toe the line of Dufil Prima Foods by also contributing efforts similar to this, which is bound to ensure a more secure and blissful future for our kids.
The grand event which witnessed a large turnout of dignitaries, saw some renowned personalities namely; Group Managing Director, First Bank, Bisi Onasanya, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Chief Bode Akindele, Chairman Masandola group, their weight behind Indomie with similar support, donating N2.25million, N500,000, and N1million, respectively in their personal capacity.
With the emergence of this year’s set of winners, a total of 21 winners have now been rewarded over the 7 year period.
This winners of this year which happens to be the 7th edition are 15year old Aniema Udokang from Cross River, helped save an accident victim on IBB way in Calabar; 14year old Semiya Modashiru helped save the lives of one baby by apprehending and confronting a kidnapper at a bus garage in Ogijo while 10 yrs old Bassey Itam helped a boy bitten by a snake.
The winners in the first, second and third categories went home with N2, 590,000, N1, 980,000, N1, 430, 000 worth of scholarship respectively.
The Public Relations & Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju congratulated the winners of this year’s IIDA awards and reiterated the company’s commitment to the developmental growth of the Nigerian child.
Ashiwaju further said having come this far with many success stories since inception as it relates to the children that have emerged winners, I make bold to say that the editions to come will be more memorable than the previous ones.
This year’s edition which is the 7th edition had in attendance the Executive Governor of Lagos State, who was ably represented by Wale Raji, First Ladies, Captains of Industries, Government Functionaries, and people from all works of life.
KELECHI EWUZIE
