On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff; Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State; Professor Leroy Chuma Edozien; IGP Kayode Egbetokun; and Pastor Ikechukwu Edmund Ezeobi, will be among the distinguished individuals honored at the sixth edition of the Nigerian Silent Heroes Award (NSHA). The ceremony will take place at Cabana Hall, Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.
Vice Admiral Ogalla is recognized as a Silent Hero in Maritime Security, while Governor Oborevwori is honored for Infrastructure Development. Professor Edozien will be acknowledged for his contributions to Medicine and Politics, reflecting his dedication to Nigeria’s development and his selfless service to humanity. IGP Egbetokun is celebrated for his achievements in Policing, and Pastor Ezeobi is recognized for over two decades of pastoral work both locally and internationally, earning him the title of Silent Hero of Faith.
The NSHA, hosted annually by SHA Initiative, aims to recognize and express society’s gratitude to individuals who have made significant contributions through their dedication and silent service. Founded by journalist and humanitarian Odita Sunday-Udemaguna, the initiative highlights unsung heroes whose efforts drive the nation’s progress.
“In our larger society, there are men and women who are silently working assiduously behind the scenes to oil our nation’s wheel of progress,” Sunday-Udemaguna said. “These people are Silent Heroes in their own right but have largely remained unsung and under-celebrated. They are the reason our nation has made the modest progress recorded in different spheres in contemporary times.”
Other notable awardees include Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, recognized for Governance; Alhaji Jibrin Baba Nadace, Director General of Voice of Nigeria, honored in Journalism; and Dr. Awele Elumelu, CEO of Avon Medical Practice, acknowledged in Medicine.
The ceremony will also honor Mr. Dozy Mmobuosi, CEO of Tingo Inc., for Fintech & Agro Development in Africa; ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi for Police Image Management; Dr. Ejikeme Odumegwu Owelle for Philanthropy; and Alex Nwankwo, CEO of Amity Global Network, for Image Management. Evelyn Usman, Assistant Crime Editor at Vanguard Newspaper, will be celebrated for Print Media Journalism.
Additional awardees include:
– Ogbu Johnson Chinecherem as Silent Hero in Nollywood
– Mr. Jason Bent for Administration
– Professor Muhammad Shafi’u Abdullahi for Education
– Mrs. Judith Ogunleye (Ofulue) for Community Development and Philanthropy
– Mr. Monye Lucky Ehiwogwu for Private Security Practice
– Shina Philips for Management
– Dr. Osadebe Osakwe for Business and Philanthropy
– Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko for Human Rights
– Chief Dr. Aisha Tosan for Media
– Yushau Shuaib for Security Advocacy
– Ebaide Omiunu for Climate Change & Social Impact
– Haliru Nababa, Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, for Public Service
– Moses Amiebenomo for Business & Enterprise
Zenith Bank will be recognized for contributions to the Banking Sector, Prince Martins for SME Development & Job Creation, Chief Nwoye-oba Chinedu Jonathan, CEO of Lamido Motors, for Business and Enterprise, Christian Ogbonna for Business & Enterprise in Manchester, Christopher Okonkwo for Cyber Security & Artificial Intelligence, and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State, for Security Management.
The event will also feature the unveiling of a magazine and a compendium titled “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes Volume 11,” documenting the achievements of these individuals across diverse fields such as Education, Security, Journalism, Industry, Oil and Gas, Real Estate, and Governance.