In a grand finale held at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, on October 13, 2024, Mary Timbee, Khalifa Aminu, and Kundushima Kwana, were celebrated as the winners of the 16th Indomie Heroes Awards (IHA).
After a six-month nationwide search, these remarkable children were recognised for their courage and outstanding contributions
The event, organised by Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, highlighted the inspiring stories of young heroes making a difference in their communities
The winners of the 2024 Indomie Heroes Awards were selected based on criteria outlined in the call for entries, recognising achievements in three categories: Physical bravery, social bravery, and intellectual bravery, all for children aged 15 and under.
The judges were deeply impressed by the stories of these young heroes, who demonstrated extraordinary grit, intelligence, compassion, and creativity in overcoming challenges. Their remarkable achievements highlighted the potential and resilience of Nigerian children, leaving a lasting impression on the selection panel.
Mary Timbee, the winner of the ‘Social Bravery ‘category, was honored for her remarkable courage in escaping a forced child marriage. She has since dedicated herself to raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage and child prostitution, successfully rescuing four other girls from similar circumstances, demonstrating her commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
In the ‘Intellectual Bravery’ category, Khalifa Aminu stood out as a talented teenage inventor. He was recognised for creating innovative eyeglasses designed for the visually impaired, which include a built-in beeper to alert users to nearby objects. His invention reflects exceptional problem-solving skills and a dedication to improving lives.
Also, Kundushima Kwana, a courageous teenager, won the award for the Physical Bravery category after risking his life during a herdsmen invasion in Benue State. Despite losing an arm in the confrontation, Kundushima demonstrated extraordinary bravery by confronting the attackers to protect women and children in his community
To support these exceptional young individuals, Dufil Prima Foods awarded each winner a cash prize of N1.5 million, providing essential financial resources to help them pursue their passions and continue their positive impact. Additionally, they were named Indomie brand ambassadors for one year.
The event, hosted by Nancy Isime, featured notable attendees, including Sola Salako, Founder and president of the Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), and Professor Abiola Sanni, Dean-elect of the Faculty of Law at the University of Lagos, among other distinguished guests.
Temitope Ashiwaju, group head of Communications and events manager for Dufil Prima Foods, expressed the significance of celebrating children’s achievements. “Often, the individuals recognised in our country are adults who expect rewards for their actions.
However, when children accomplish remarkable feats, they do so spontaneously, without any expectation of recognition. Encouraging such behavior is essential for a better future for Nigeria and its youth,” he stated
The Indomie Heroes Awards, now in its 16th edition, aims to identify, celebrate, and reward courageous Nigerian children, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to fostering a culture of heroism and recognizing the potential of the country’s future leaders.
The Indomie Heroes Awards, now in its 16th edition, aims to identify, celebrate, and reward courageous Nigerian children, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to fostering a culture of heroism and recognizing the potential of the country’s future leaders. By honouring these young heroes, Indomie seeks to create a society that values and nurtures exceptional young individuals.