Indomie launches hunt for brave Nigerian Children in 17th Heroes Awards

The search for Nigeria’s most courageous and inspiring children has officially begun as Dufil Prima Foods Ltd., makers of Indomie Instant Noodles, launched the 17th edition of the Indomie Heroes Awards.

Since its inception in 2008, the annual initiative has continued to celebrate the bravery, resilience, and brilliance of Nigerian children aged 15 and below.

With this year’s theme, “Unsung Heroes,” the awards aim to uncover remarkable stories of heroism that might otherwise go unnoticed.

These stories—drawn from across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones—showcase the physical, social, and intellectual bravery of children who embody the spirit and potential of the Nigerian child.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager of Dufil Prima Foods, Temitope Ashiwaju, confirmed that entries have commenced and encouraged submissions through the Indomie Nigeria website at www.heroesofnigeria.com and via email at [email protected].

“Our commitment to spotlighting the heroic acts of Nigerian children remains unwavering,” Ashiwaju said.

“When we launched this initiative in 2008, our goal was clear—to recognize children who display uncommon courage, whether by risking their own safety, standing up to societal issues, or using their minds to solve real-world problems. Today, that mission continues stronger than ever,” he added.

The awards follow a three-stage process, beginning with the call for entries, which involves gathering stories from both digital platforms and on-ground outreach, including rural communities.

The second phase involves a thorough screening and selection process by a credible panel of judges, who will review and verify entries, capturing some through re-enactments and mini-documentaries.

The final phase culminates in October 2025, when the most outstanding young heroes will be celebrated at a grand awards ceremony in Lagos.

The award categories include physical bravery for children who have risked their own safety to save others or prevent harm, social bravery for those who have taken a stand against societal challenges like child marriage, illiteracy, or environmental degradation, and intellectual bravery for those who have demonstrated creativity and intelligence in solving real-world problems.

To qualify, nominees must be Nigerian citizens aged 15 or younger, with verifiable stories of courage and impact.

A new feature of this year’s edition is the introduction of state-level recognition for runners-up in each category, ensuring more young heroes receive the spotlight they deserve before the national event.

Ashiwaju also emphasised the importance of public involvement in uncovering exceptional stories.

“By beginning the shortlisting process early, we’re able to expand our reach and uncover even more deserving stories,” he said.

“This year, we aim to go further and deeper in identifying exceptional children who are changing their communities, quietly, yet powerfully.”

Each winner will receive an increased grand prize, along with additional rewards to support their education and development.

Since its inception, the Indomie Heroes Awards has recognised 59 exceptional children, awarded millions of naira in scholarships, and provided a platform for young heroes to shine. Many past recipients have gone on to pursue higher education and leadership roles, breaking barriers and redefining what Nigerian children can achieve.

As Dufil Prima Foods kicks off this 17th edition, it reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the bravery, intelligence, and limitless potential of Nigeria’s next generation.