Following a comprehensive six-month search across the nation for extraordinary and brave children, Mary Timbee, Khalifa Aminu, and Kundushima Kwana have been declared the winners of Season 16 of the Indomie Heroes Awards (IHA).

The grand finale, hosted by Dufil Prima Foods, the producers of Indomie Instant Noodles, took place at Ultima Studios in Lekki, Lagos, on October 13, 2024.

The judges announced the winners after a thorough evaluation based on the criteria set forth in the call for entries, which recognized achievements in three categories: Physical Bravery, Social Bravery, and Intellectual Bravery, all for children aged 15 and under.

This year's selection process left a profound impact on the judges, who were deeply moved by the inspiring stories of these children. Their resilience, intelligence, compassion, and creativity highlighted the remarkable potential of Nigerian youth.

Mary Timbee, the winner of the Social Bravery category, was celebrated for her extraordinary courage in escaping a forced child marriage.

Her commitment extended beyond her own experience, as she actively worked to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage and child prostitution, successfully rescuing four other girls from similar fates.

Khalifa Aminu, a gifted teenage inventor, excelled in the Intellectual Bravery category for his creation of innovative eyeglasses designed for the visually impaired.

His invention, which includes a built-in beeper to alert users to nearby objects, exemplifies his exceptional problem-solving abilities and commitment to enhancing lives.

Kundushima Kwana, a courageous teenage boy, received the award for Physical Bravery after he risked his life during a herdsmen invasion in Benue State.

Kundushima exhibited remarkable bravery during his encounter with the herdsmen, even after losing an arm, as he stood up to the attackers to safeguard the women and children in his community.

L-R: Indomie Heroes Award Winner, Physical Bravery Category, Kundushima Kwana;Indomie Heroes Award Winner, Social Bravery Category, Mary Timbee; Indomie Heroes Award Winner, Intellectual Bravery Category, Khalifa Aminu; at the 16thIndomie Heroes Award Ceremony heldat Ultima Studios, Lekki, on Sunday, October 13th.

To further support these outstanding young individuals, Dufil Prima Foods awarded each winner a cash prize of N1.5 million.

This substantial grant offers essential financial assistance, enabling them to pursue their interests and continue their positive contributions. Furthermore, they were appointed as Indomie brand ambassadors for a year.

The event, hosted by Nancy Isime, also featured notable attendees such as 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 esteemed guests.

Temitope Ashiwaju, Group Head of Communications and Events Manager for Dufil Prima Foods, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Often, the individuals celebrated in our nation are adults who act with the expectation of rewards.

However, when children achieve remarkable things, they do so without any anticipation of recognition. They act out of spontaneity, and we believe that encouraging more of these young heroes will contribute to a brighter future for Nigerians, particularly for the younger generation.”

The Indomie Heroes Awards, an annual program designed to recognize and honor courageous Nigerian children, celebrated its 16th edition, underscoring the brand’s dedication to fostering a culture of heroism and acknowledging the potential of Nigeria’s future leaders.

By celebrating these young heroes, Indomie seeks to cultivate a society that appreciates and nurtures the growth of exceptional youth.

The awards ceremony showcased captivating performances by acclaimed spoken-word artist Ibquake, the Tripple Heritage Dance Company, Makayla, and the gifted young dancers from The Dream Catchers. Distinguished guests, including prominent individuals from diverse sectors, were present to celebrate the achievements of the winners.