[ad id=”187″]By Abiodun Obisesan.
As part of the planning and thorough execution of the 8th edition of the Indomie Independence Day Award for Nigerian Heroes, the Public Relations and Event Manager of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Tope Ashiwaju has warned that only noble and spontaneous acts, among others, would be celebrated. He also added that the company do not advertise IIDA so that children would not indulge in mischievous acts that could become fatal.
The initiative, according to the company is meant for children between 5 to 15years, 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.
[ad id=”169″]Speaking on behalf of the Group Managing Director, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Deepak Singhal, Ashiwaju maintained that the award is significant as it is rooted in the recognition of Nigerian children, whose best efforts are 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 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. 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.
He stressed that the award scheme is 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. Speaking on the selection process, the Managing Director, BD Consult Ltd, Mr. Tola Bademosi explained that all entries will be scrutinized by a screening committee who later provides a shortlist for consideration by a panel ofjudges.
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.
