The 7th edition of the Nigeria’s Silent Heroes Awards (NSHA) held on Friday, June 14, 2025, at the Wells Carlton Hotel in Asokoro, Abuja, celebrated unsung patriots who have quietly made impactful contributions to the nation.
Despite a delayed start, the event officially commenced at 6 p.m. after an hour-long red carpet reception. The evening featured the Royal Father of the Day, Chief Simeon Ujah—the Ejeh of Olamaboro and Chairman of the Olamaboro Traditional Council—who graced the occasion in person.
The Guest of Honour, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei, was represented, as were other key dignitaries including 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).
Anchored by veteran compère Abdullahi Haruna, the evening brought together government officials, traditional rulers, private sector leaders, and media professionals. Among them were Commander Jerry Omodara (retd), Security Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State; and the UBA Regional Chairman, representing UBA Chairman Mr. Tony Elumelu. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Adewale, also attended.
Rear Admiral Bankole, delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, commended the organiser of the awards, Odita Sunday, for his longstanding dedication to spotlighting Nigeria’s uncelebrated changemakers.
“At this juncture, Nigeria needs silent heroes—dedicated citizens who quietly drive change,” he said. “If each of us upholds integrity and patriotism in our homes and workplaces, it will ripple across the country.”
In her welcome address, Project Coordinator Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday described the awards as a platform to celebrate selfless individuals whose contributions to humanity often go unrecognized.
“Each recipient tonight was carefully selected from hundreds of nominations,” she said. “Their actions, whether in innovation, leadership, service, or compassion, represent values that enrich our nation’s moral fabric.”
She also announced an upcoming continental edition: *Africa Heroes Awards*—a pan-African initiative to honour the continent’s silent champions.
The awards ceremony moved swiftly, with recipients or their representatives mounting the podium to receive their plaques. Among the awardees were:
* Chief Uche Jeffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
* ACC Attah John Onoja, NSCDC Mining Marshal Commandant
* Nicholas Sam-Sedi, CEO of Sam Sedi Nigeria Ltd
* Kehinde Adewole, Publisher of Swift Reporters
* Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
* Tony Elumelu, CFR
* Yusuf A. Haruna, Security Expert and CEO, Hey Bravo Int’l
* Hajiya Zubaidah Umar, DG, NEMA
* Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG, NIMC
* Dr. Neemat Daud Abdulrahim, Director, FCT Education Resource Centre
* Tamuno Tonte Abban, Founder/CEO, Myrtle Healthcare
* Daniel Black, Director, Growth for Sustainable Agriculture Initiative
* Hamza Suleiman, Investigative Journalist
* And several others across diverse sectors.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the third volume of *Nigeria’s Silent Heroes* compendium by Odita Sunday, chronicling the stories of past and present honourees.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, ACC Attah John Onoja expressed gratitude for the recognition.
“We are men and women of honour. I had never met the organiser until today. This recognition inspires us to continue serving with integrity,” he said.
The evening concluded with the presentation of gifts to distinguished guests and a moving poetic performance by Olayemi Esam, marking a symbolic end to a night dedicated to selfless service and quiet heroism.