Dufil, makers of noodles brand, Indomie, celebrated 10^th anniversary of its Indomie Independence Day Award (IIDA), a Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative designed to extol and support the exemplary accomplishments of children who have shown courage and determination in situations that ordinarily would bring fear.

10 children were rewarded with millions of naira worth of scholarship. Three winners were awarded from each category of the award (Physical bravery, Social bravery and Intellectual bravery). The 10^th winner won the most outstanding bravery act category.

The winners for Intellectual Bravery are 13year old Paul David from Markurdi, invented radio station; 11year old from Markurdi who exhibited various inventions; 14year old Joel Clement from Kano who constructed Incubator for hatching eggs.

Winner for Physical Bravery are 14year old Zulka Mohammed from Adamawa who saved group of children from terrorist attack; 14year old UbongAkpan from AkwaIbom that saved the life of a nursing woman and AdejorinOluwatobiloba, 15 years that rescued a girl from kidnappers.

Other winners from Social Bravery are 15year old OlarenwajuOluwafemi from Ibadan who used football competitions to campaign against crimes; 12year old John Blessing from Ogun who advocates against child abuse and 8year old Wealth John from Nasarawa who saved a girl from child marriage. Also, ChibuoyimNnakwe, 11year old who saved mother from impending death won the award for the most outstanding bravery act for the year.

L-R: Minister Of Women Affairs And Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan; Wife of Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Overall winner, 2017 Iida, Master Chibuyim Nnakwe; Head Of Tolaram Nigeria, Mr Pawan Sharma; Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki and Chairman, Senate Committee On Lands, Housing And Urban Development, Senator Gbenga Ashafa at The 2017 Indomie Independence Day Award Ceremony In Lagos recently.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha JummaiAlhassan, commended and congratulated Dufil Prima Foods on the occasion of the 10th edition of IIDA. The Independence Day Heroes Award to Nigerian children that have shown extraordinary acts of bravery and determination in the face of danger to their lives and difficult challenges in the society is indeed an addition to the success story of Dufil Prima Foods, having made Indomie a household name in Nigeria.

While delivering the keynote address at the event, Mr.Graham StothardtheExecutive Director, The Caleb Group of Schools, Lagos, aaddressing the winners as ‘the wealth of the nation’

‘Childhood is a spring of life. The Genesis. It is the age of discovery and dreams. They have the power to transform this nation into a better place.’ He concluded by adding that the role of the youth in preserving the Nigeria is so basic yet fundamental and crucial, because they are problem solvers who can have positive influence on other young people and potentially Nigeria.’

A manifestlyoverjoyed Group Managing Director, Dufil prima foods, Mr. Deepak Singhal, expressed delight at the success of this event.

Deepak said, “As a company, we have sustained this initiative over the years owing to our commitment to continuously impact positively on the lives of our consumers most importantly the children who represent the future

“Now marking a decade, IIDA stands to identify and celebrate10 great children whohave displayed an unmatched physical, intellectual and social bravery in the face of hazards and unfavourable conditions, and it is all in a bid to encourage and inspire more those who would tomorrow hold various leadership positions in our dear country.

“I’m extremely proud of everything we’ve achieved in the last 10 years with IIDA. Our CSR credentials are an important part of our company’s DNA. It’s critical to who we are and what we stand for.”

Says Girish Sharma, Chief Operating Officer, Dufil Prima Foods Plc: “A significant part of our CSR initiatives is our engagement with the publics.

“The success of IIDA’s philosophy remains true today, and is evident in the many and varied selfless effort and commitment we have taken at ensuring the success of the IIDA over the past 9 years.”

“By celebrating 10 winners, Nigerians can better understand the capabilities and how valuable these exceptional children mean to us.

This year’s edition which is the 10th edition had in attendance the special adviser to the President on Media and Publicity Mr. Femi Adesina; Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Dr.Mrs. Nike Akande;former first Lady of Lagos State, Dame AbimbolaFashola; Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Pedro; First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki alongside Captains of Industries, Government Functionaries, the crème de la crème of the society and dignitaries from all works of life.