By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Three young Nigerians; Mary Timbee, Khalifa Aminu, and Kundushima Kwana, have won Season 16 of the Indomie Heroes Awards for their courageous acts in their communities.
At the presentation of their cash prizes at the Ultima Studios, Lagos on October 13, 2024, the winners were hailed for their bravery against all odds.
They were given a cash prize of N1.5 million to provide vital financial support to help them pursue their passions and continue making a positive impact. Additionally, they were announced as Indomie brand ambassadors for one year.
Business Post reports that Mary Timbee won the Social Bravery category, Khalifa Aminu was the Intellectual Bravery category winner, and Kundushima Kwana emerged as the Physical Bravery category winner at the ceremony organised by Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles.
The trio, all aged 15 years and below, were picked after a six-month nationwide search for courageous and remarkable children by the judges after meeting the criteria outlined in the call for entries.
Mary Timbee was honoured for her exceptional bravery in escaping a forced child marriage. Her determination did not stop there, as she dedicated herself to educating others about the dangers of child marriage and child prostitution.
Her commendable efforts led to the rescue of four more girls from similar situations, showcasing her unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
As for Khalifa Aminu, he was recognised for designing innovative eyeglasses for the visually impaired. His invention, equipped with a built-in beeper that alerts users to nearby objects, showed his exceptional problem-solving skills and dedication to improving lives.
Also, Kundushima Kwana risked his life during a herdsmen invasion in Benue State. Despite losing an arm during the confrontation with the herdsmen, he displayed extraordinary courage by confronting the attackers to protect and save the lives of women and children in his community.
“A lot of times the people that have been celebrated in our country have been adults who would do things and expect a reward, but when children perform these wonderful feats, they do not have anything behind why they’re doing it.
“They don’t see a reward coming to them, they do it spontaneously and we feel that the more of them that we encourage in our society, the more likely for a better tomorrow for Nigerians and most especially for the young generation coming behind,” the Group Head of Communications and Events Manager for Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju, said.
It was gathered that the event, compered by Nancy Isime, had in attendance the founder of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Sola Salako; and the Dean-elect of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Professor Abiola Sanni; among others.
The Indomie Heroes Awards is an annual initiative established to identify, celebrate, and reward brave Nigerian children, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inspiring a culture of heroism and recognising the potential of Nigeria’s future leaders.