Silent but Mighty: Over 41 Nigerians Recognized for Quiet Impact at SHA

Maryam Aminu

In a world where loud voices often dominate the spotlight, a rare evening in Abuja paid tribute to a different kind of strength the power of quiet impact. The 7th Edition of the Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) illuminated the elegant halls of the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on Saturday night, honouring 41 exceptional Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed but never unfelt.

Organized by the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, the prestigious event drew together trailblazers from across the country public servants, media professionals, farmers, faith leaders, and more all united by a shared ethos: service without spectacle. It was a night of dignity, gratitude, and powerful stories finally receiving their due recognition.

In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, ably represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and national unity amid turbulent times.

“Nigeria needs silent heroes now more than ever people who serve quietly, patriotically, and purposefully,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. “Let us love Nigeria. From the corners of our rooms to our offices, let us be the government we want. If we all do the right thing in our own small ways, it will radiate across the country.”

Rear Admiral Bankole also took a moment to personally commend Mr. Sunday Odita, senior journalist and one of the event’s organizers, for his decades-long dedication to national service and embedded reporting with the Nigerian military.

“I’ve known Sunday Odita since my youth. He has shown unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s service institutions. This is the kind of patriotism we need.”

Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of SHA, emphasized the vision behind the awards “The Silent Heroes Awards is built on a simple yet powerful ethos to identify, honour, and celebrate those whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless.”

She cited Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as an embodiment of these values. His transformation of the ministry into a results-driven, future-focused institution was one of many stories spotlighted during the evening.

The ceremony also marked the launch of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes” (Volume 3) a commemorative publication chronicling the lives and legacies of both past and present honourees.

A wide array of categories was featured, celebrating individuals from various sectors. Some of the distinguished honourees included:

Prince Arthur Eze – Silent Hero in Philanthropy

Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Silent Hero in Community Empowerment

Hajia Zubaida Umar, DG of NEMA – Silent Hero in Emergency Management

Kehinde Adewole, Publisher & Reporter – Silent Hero in Journalism

Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Silent Hero in Faith

Dr. (Mrs.) Adedolapo Fasawe – Silent Hero in Health

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC – Silent Hero in Governance

Daniel Black – Silent Hero in Agriculture

Vivian Ikechika – Silent Hero in Broadcast Journalism

Hamza Suleiman – Silent Hero in Investigative Journalism

Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim – Silent Hero in Education

Also honoured were Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebhole.

Traditional institutions were not left out. His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba and grand patron of the awards, received a standing ovation for his consistent support of grassroots excellence.

Among the honourees, Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals described his award as a testament to the Corps’ renewed drive under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

“I dedicate this award to our Commandant General for building a results-oriented security framework. The fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage must be a united front, built on trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.

Looking to the future, organizers announced plans for an ambitious expansion: the Africa Heroes Awards, a continental counterpart aimed at spotlighting silent heroes across Africa who embody the same spirit of humble excellence and service.