It was a day of joy recently as Delta State Capital ,Asaba ,stood still to honour some unsung heroes who have performed creditably well in their various field of endeavours . The Nigeria Silent Heroes Award ( NSHA), attracted great personalities in all walks of life to the venue of the event , Best Western Elomaz Hotels ,Asaba .
Among the 25 awardees were Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IGP-IRT), Abba Kyari, who was ably represented by the Southwest Commander of IRT, CSP Phillip Rieninwa, Television Continental chieftain, Babajide Otitoju, a young farmer, Dibie Oriekose, United Bank for Africa Group Managing Director, Kennedy Uzoka, Nollywood actress ,Regina Daniels-Nwoko ,who was represented by her mother ,Rita Daniels, former Speaker of Delta House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai, ThisDay Newspaper Group Features Editor, Chiemelie Eze, SUN Newspaper Assistant News Editor, Christopher Oji, a Chartered Accountant Patrick Ezieshi and others.
Chairman of the occasion , Managing Director , North China Construction Nigeria Limited , Dr Osadebe Osakwe , said the Nigerian media have been challenged to celebrate citizens of the country who have made exceptional impact in their private capacities on the lives of fellow Nigerians rather than focus much attention on political office holders who have made little or no impact in adding value to humanity.
Speaking in his capacity as the event chairman at the maiden edition of the NSHA ceremony Osakwe ,said he had so much aversion for awards in Nigeria as many people and organisations have reportedly abused the concept, but that he had a change of mind and became interested in accepting to support organisers of the event when he learnt that the award was for relatively silent or unsung heroes in Nigeria society.
In the same vein, the Managing Director of Rainoil Limited, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, who was a recipient of award in oil and gas sector development, said the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards meant award to people who have achieved silently in their own rights.
The Rainoil boss, who was represented by Hon. Jossy Honnah; a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Finance & Wealth Creation noted that those who have greatly impacted humanity have not adequately been recognised in our society.
Earlier in his welcome speech, the founder and convener of NSHA, Mr. Odita Sunday ,said his organization has chosen to recognize and honour the award recipients whose nominations were principally hinged on the modest achievements they have made in their respective fields of human endeavours and the positive impacts they have made to humanity.
He emphasised that his intention to recognize and honour the awardees was not driven by any pecuniary motive ,but attempt at encouraging more Nigerians to add value to the lives of their fellow human beings.
According to him, “it is interesting to say that the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards is anchored on a process of identification, recognition and celebration of those whose life activities have positively impacted humanity within or outside their own immediate environment.
“Permit me therefore, to say that those we are about to celebrate today were carefully nominated among millions of others in view of their outstanding contributions they have made over the years in their various spheres to add value to humanity.
“In all honesty I must say that the awardees in their individual capacities and activities particularly in the public space, have remained humble and not audacious in self praise, in spite of their outstanding achievements, hence we have chosen to honour them as silent heroes.
” We are honouring a young farmer for his contribution in agriculture .When young people are running away from farming ,the young man is busy expanding his farm and feeding the nation .We are honouring three Journalists today for their contributions in the development of their country. We are not looking for rich people ,we are looking for those unsung ; those who are contributing their quotas without making noise about it “.
Among the dignitaries present at the occasion were a former Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Nigerian Immigration Service, Dr. Brasca Ifeadi, and his wife; Mrs. Phoebean Nkechi Ifeadi, Bishop Emeka Ajiboro ,and others
