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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.

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

Maryam Aminu

“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.”

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.

Toni Ukachukwu Named Among Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Travel & Tourism Personalities for 2025

Emmanuel Daudu

Renowned aviation media strategist and founder of Aviators Africa, Toni Ukachukwu, has been named one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Travel and Tourism Personalities for 2025 by the Africa Travel & Tourism Awards.

This distinguished honor celebrates Ukachukwu’s decade-long leadership and unwavering dedication to reshaping Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape through advocacy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.

As the driving force behind Aviators Africa, Ukachukwu has played a pivotal role in amplifying Africa’s voice in global aviation discourse. His platform has become a beacon for industry insights, policy engagement, and cross-border collaboration creating bridges between stakeholders across the continent.

A key highlight of his work is the Aviators Africa Conference and Awards (AACA) a flagship event that convenes top-tier stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators to explore forward-thinking solutions for the sector. Under his leadership, the platform has spotlighted critical issues such as green aviation, inclusive tourism, and investment in underserved regions.

“This recognition validates years of commitment to not just aviation journalism, but to building a resilient and future-facing ecosystem for African travel and tourism,” said Ukachukwu. “I share this moment with every collaborator, partner, and believer in the dream of a connected Africa.”

Beyond media, Ukachukwu has been a staunch advocate for sustainability, youth inclusion, and intra-African tourism growth principles that continue to shape his vision for a globally competitive Africa.

The Africa Travel & Tourism Awards 100 Most Impactful People is an annual celebration of transformative leaders who are actively driving change, setting benchmarks, and redefining Africa’s tourism narrative on the world stage.

As the continent continues to unlock its tourism potential, leaders like Toni Ukachukwu are not only making an impact they are shaping the future of travel in Africa

Alaafin of Oyo Endorses South West Youth Security Summit, Commends Tinubu’s Efforts on National Security

Maryam Aminu

In a significant show of traditional support for grassroots security initiatives, the Planning Committee of the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit, led by its Director General, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel, paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo.

The delegation visited the palace to formally invite the revered monarch as a guest of honour at the forthcoming South West Youth Security Summit, slated to hold on 17th July, 2025 in Osun State. The summit is expected to bring together young stakeholders across the region to address critical security challenges affecting communities.

Welcoming the committee, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as “timely and commendable.” He lauded the youth for taking proactive steps to confront the issues of insecurity, saying their collective action reflects a strong commitment to national development and peace. His Majesty offered prayers for the success of the summit and bestowed his royal blessings upon the team.

In response, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel thanked the monarch for his encouragement and support. He used the opportunity to highlight the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant attention has been directed at combating issues such as kidnapping, the herders-farmers crisis, ritual killings, internet fraud, drug abuse, and other social vices threatening the stability of the country.

“The President is not resting on this matter,” the DG emphasized. “He has mandated all security agencies to intensify efforts to secure every corner of Nigeria.”

Ade-Mario further reiterated that the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit aims to mobilize regional collaboration among youths, traditional institutions, and government agencies in crafting sustainable solutions to security threats and promoting national unity

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Welcomes New NSCC Director General, Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusivity and Senior Citizens’ Welfare

Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, alongside the Honourable Minister of State, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has received the newly appointed Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), Hon. Medinat Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

During the courtesy visit, Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe formally informed the ministers of her resumption of duty and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the rights and welfare of senior citizens across the country.

“I have come to inform you that I have resumed duties at the helm of affairs at the National Senior Citizens Centre to carry on with the mandate of strengthening the protection of senior citizens’ right to dignity, independence, care, security, participation and self-fulfillment,” she stated.

She pledged that under her leadership, the Centre would work in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen social inclusion and recognize the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to national development.

In response, Yilwatda congratulated Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe on her appointment and encouraged her to build on the foundation laid by her predecessor while exploring both intra- and inter-ministerial collaborations to enhance support systems for the elderly.

“In line with the social contract under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, senior citizens must be availed of a dignified, healthy, happy, and secure life to the fullest,” the Minister said.

The new DG was accompanied on the visit by the North-Central Coordinator of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), Alhaji Raji Ibrahim, and Hon. Lanre Okunlola, Member of the House of Representatives for Surulere 2 Federal Constituency.

Ministry of Defence Boosts Military Healthcare, Training Infrastructure As Amb. Gabriel Aduda Leads Oversight Tour in Kaduna

Emmanuel Daudu

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, has restated the federal government’s dedication to advancing military healthcare and training infrastructure, reinforcing a long-term commitment to the well-being and efficiency of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

Ambassador Aduda made this declaration during an oversight visit to Kaduna, where he inspected two critical defence infrastructure projects. Among them was the newly completed 100-bed Medical Interns Accommodation Facility at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital (NARH).

The modern residential complex boasts en-suite rooms, fully furnished common areas, recreation lounges, and an integrated solar power backup system designed to offer a sustainable and dignified living environment for medical interns.

“Providing quality accommodation is not just a welfare issue; it’s a strategic investment in the morale and productivity of our healthcare professionals,” Ambassador Aduda said after touring the facility. “When our interns are housed in comfort, they are better positioned to deliver the high standards of care our service members deserve.”

He also emphasized the role of infrastructure including constant electricity and well-equipped communal spaces in fostering efficiency and professional growth among military health personnel.

In a related engagement, the Permanent Secretary visited the Special Operations Forces Training Ground at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Camp Kabala. Joined by Camp Commandant Major General FS Etim, Aduda reviewed ongoing tactical exercises and inspected facilities dedicated to the elite training of special operations forces.

Impressed by the discipline and operational preparedness on display, he praised the troops and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement in military readiness and capacity building.

Other key officials who accompanied the Permanent Secretary included Dr. Sunday Attah, Director of Army Affairs at the Ministry of Defence; Brigadier General GS Ogoh, Director of Medical Services at the 44 NARH; and other senior Ministry personnel.

ACOE Felicitates With Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President Tinubu, Mr Bayo Onanuga CON On Recognition of National Honour CON

The Association of Corporate Online Editor has received the news of the well-deserved recognition of National honour, Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) granted to our own Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President Tinubu, Mr Bayo Onanuga CON. This is a well-deserved recognition by the number one person in the country.

Reacting to the news, in his message, the newly elected chairman of the Association, Omosola Akingboye expressed his “Heartiest congratulations to the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy to the President Tinubu, Mr Bayo Onanuga CON, on being honored with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a prestigious national award. He said that “this recognition is a testament to Onanuga outstanding contributions and dedication to public service. Akingboye therefore Wished Onanuga continued success and impactful contribution as he carry out his daily duty”

He therefore, pledged the commitment, on behalf of all members of ACOE to foster a robust media relationship and collaborations with Mr Onanuga’s office to create a new Nigeria.

Fiscal Transparency Key to Sustaining Democracy – FRC Chairman

Maryam Aminu

As Nigeria marks Democracy Day 2025, the Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako Esq., has underscored the critical role of fiscal transparency in securing the nation’s democratic gains.

In a statement signed by Bede Anyanwu, Head of Strategic Communications at the Commission, Muruako asserted that prudent and accountable management of public resources is the foundation of any sustainable democracy.

“Fiscal responsibility is the lifeblood of sustainable democracy,” he said. “When citizens can track every naira of their tax money and see it translated into tangible development, that is democracy in its truest form.”

According to the FRC Chairman, the Commission’s work in promoting transparency and accountability in public financial management is central to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions. By ensuring the proper use of public funds and efficient resource allocation, he noted, the FRC empowers citizens to demand accountability one of the core tenets of democratic governance.

Muruako also welcomed the World Bank’s latest projection of 3.6% economic growth for Nigeria in 2025, describing it as an encouraging sign that recent fiscal reforms are taking root.

He pointed to ongoing efforts by the administration in areas such as subsidy reforms, revenue optimization, and expenditure rationalization as vital steps toward long-term economic resilience.

However, he emphasized that sustaining these gains requires consistent adherence to fiscal discipline across all levels of government.

“Our collective prosperity depends on our shared vigilance over public resources,” Muruako stated, urging government agencies, civil society, and citizens alike to embrace fiscal responsibility as a national value.
“Fiscal responsibility is a civic duty not just a government obligation.”

The FRC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s economic progress translates into real benefits for its citizens, pledging strict enforcement of fiscal rules and greater engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors.

FRC Hosts ICPC Delegation, Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency and Fiscal Discipline

Maryam Aminu

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding ethical standards and ensuring transparency in public finance management by hosting a team from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as part of an ongoing nationwide evaluation exercise.

The engagement, facilitated through FRC’s Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU), marked a significant milestone in the ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard initiative, which assesses Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen institutional accountability and good governance practices.

During the visit, the ICPC delegation assessed several operational areas within the Commission, including Procurement, Human Resources, Finance and Audit, and Communications, with a focus on digital transparency and stakeholder engagement. The Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard is a strategic framework that enables the identification of integrity gaps while promoting reforms aligned with global best practices.

In preparation for the evaluation, the FRC’s ACTU conducted a comprehensive internal system review aimed at streamlining processes, identifying operational inefficiencies, and recommending measures to enhance accountability. This proactive step, in line with the Commission’s statutory mandate under the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, earned commendation from the ICPC.

Representing the Executive Chairman, Deputy Director of Administration, Mr. Usman Nasiru, emphasized that the FRC remains steadfast in its pursuit of transparency, ethical governance, and fiscal prudence.

“This exercise reinforces our dedication to continuous improvement and integrity in public service,” Mr. Nasiru stated. “We welcome the ICPC’s findings and are optimistic they will guide further internal reforms that will improve operational efficiency and service delivery.”

The ICPC described the Scorecard as a non-punitive, capacity-building tool designed to help institutions like the FRC identify areas of improvement while supporting their commitment to ethical governance.

Findings from the assessment are expected to influence the Commission’s internal policies and contribute to broader efforts to institutionalize fiscal responsibility across all MDAs nationwide.

FG Partners with Investonaire Academy to Train 100,000 Youths Annually in Forex Trading

Maryam Aminu

In a strategic effort to tackle youth unemployment and foster digital financial inclusion, the Federal Government of Nigeria has partnered with Investonaire Academy to train 100,000 Nigerian youths annually in foreign exchange (Forex) trading.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, aims to equip young Nigerians with practical knowledge in Forex trading, risk management, and financial planning critical tools for participating in the global digital economy.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, hailed the partnership as a forward-thinking initiative that would empower Nigerian youths through skill-building and innovation.

“This partnership reflects our strategic vision for sustainable youth development,” Olawande said at the signing ceremony. “Beyond trading, it equips our young people with critical thinking, digital competence, and a mindset for global wealth creation.”

He underscored the importance of entrepreneurial resilience and financial independence in today’s evolving economy and commended Investonaire Academy’s commitment to youth advancement.

Olawande also promised that the Ministry would uphold transparency and ensure that the program delivers measurable impact.

“This MoU is not just a formality it is a call to action. We are committed to results that genuinely transform lives,” he said.

Dr. Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director at Investonaire Academy, welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a powerful tool to reduce socio-economic inequalities and promote digital empowerment.

“Youth are the backbone of any thriving economy,” said Dr. Odiba. “With the right skills and exposure, they can become agents of innovation and growth. This initiative is about unlocking that potential and bridging the opportunity divide.”

The training initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader agenda for digital inclusion, economic diversification, and 21st-century capacity building.

The Ministry confirmed that the rollout will be guided by principles of transparency, excellence, and impact, ensuring Nigerian youths are prepared to thrive in a competitive global landscape.