The 7th edition of Nigeria’s Silent Heroes Awards 2025, held on June 14 at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, lived up to its billing as a celebration of unsung citizens with remarkable accomplishments.
The event, initially scheduled for 5 pm, commenced at 6 pm, following an hour of red carpet reception of guests and the arrival of the Royal Father of the Day, the Ejeh of Olamaboro, Chief Simeon Ujah—Chairman of the Olamaboro Traditional Council—who was present in person. The Guest of Honour, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei, was represented, as were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (represented by Rear Admiral O.A. Bankole), and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (represented by Force PRO, ACP Muyiwa Ogunjobi).
The evening’s proceedings, anchored by seasoned compère Abdullahi Haruna, featured a cornucopia of dignitaries, among them senior government officials from ministries, departments and agencies, along with figures from the private sector, the media, and traditional institutions. Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), Security Adviser to Kogi State and representative of Governor Ododo, was in attendance, as was the UBA Regional Chairman, who represented Mr Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA.
Also present was the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr Ajao Adewale. The event received notable support from personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Rear Admiral O.A. Bankole, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, reflected on his two-decade acquaintance with Odita Sunday, the organiser of Nigeria’s Silent Heroes initiative. He commended Odita’s enduring dedication, stating that he had long embedded himself with the Navy, Army and Air Force, reporting on the security services over the years with unwavering commitment.
“At this juncture, Nigeria needs silent heroes—dedicated citizens. In the quiet corner of your room, let us love Nigeria and be patriotic. If we all do the right thing in our homes and offices, it will ripple through the nation and make Nigeria a better place for us all,” he urged.
In her welcome address, the project coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards, Mrs Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, spoke on the significance of the event.
She elaborated: “The Silent Heroes Awards is founded on a simple yet profound ethos: to identify, honour, and celebrate individuals whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless—often made without recognition, applause or acclaim.
“The individuals we honour—both in past editions and tonight—have been carefully selected from hundreds of nominations. Nigeria is a vibrant nation, rich in diversity and dynamism. We are never short of illustrious and inspiring citizens—individuals whose remarkable efforts shape our national identity and breathe life into the soul of our society.
“Each recipient, in their own exceptional way, has risen above the ordinary—whether through service, innovation, leadership or compassion. Their stories exemplify values that enrich our communities and strengthen the moral fabric of our nation.”
Mrs Odita-Sunday also hinted at plans to broaden the awards’ reach. “Preparations are well underway for the Africa Heroes Awards—a pan-African initiative to spotlight the continent’s unsung champions,” she revealed.
The awards segment proceeded briskly, during which awardees—or their representatives—mounted the podium to accept their honours, all within two hours.
Those recognised on the night included: Chief Uche Jeffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; ACC Attah John Onoja, Commandant of the Mining Marshal of NSCDC; Nicholas Sam-Sedi, philanthropist and CEO of Sam Sedi Nigeria Limited; Kehinde Adewole, Publisher of Swift Reporters; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Tony Elumelu, CFR; Yusuf A. Haruna, security expert and CEO of Hey Bravo International Limited; Enodolonwanyi Otamere, Director of Animal Husbandry Services, Edo State Ministry of Agriculture; Hajiya Zubaidah Umar, DG of NEMA; Matthew Ibadin, MD of Baddinson Security Services; Hajiya Aisha Muhammed; Engr Simeon Udeh, MD of SOTEC; Arc (Dr) Richard John; Dr Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, Director of FCT Education Resource Centre; Patrick Chiemeke; Vivian Ifeanyichukwu Nkechika, Assistant Manager of Programmes at Delta State Broadcasting Service; Hajiya Aisha Abubakar Muhammad, Assistant Manager of Programmes at NTA Abuja; Dr Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment, FCT; Abubakar Imam, real estate mogul and the Dan Amana of Ebiraland; Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC; Daniel Black, founder/director of the Growth for Sustainable Agriculture Initiative; Hamza Suleiman, investigative journalist; Tamuno Tonte Abban, founder/CEO of Myrtle Healthcare; and Kleopatra Vargas, among others.
A key highlight of the evening, following an interlude by the Afri Theatre Dance Troupe, was the unveiling of the third volume of Nigeria’s Silent Heroes compendium by Odita Sunday.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, ACC Attah John Onoja remarked, “Those honoured here are men of honour and integrity.”
He narrated his surprise at his nomination, revealing he had never met the organiser until arriving at the venue.
“We appreciate this selfless act and encourage you to keep it going. We’ll continue to support you in every way we can,” he concluded.
The evening ended with the presentation of gifts by Odita-Sunday to special guests and their representatives, followed by a poignant poetic rendition by Olayemi Esam—a fitting close to a meaningful occasion.
