By Sumaila Ogbaje
Stakeholders have called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies through patriotism, credible intelligence and community collaboration, saying collective action remains essential to tackling the country’s persistent security challenges.
The call was made at the 8th Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) on Saturday in Abuja, where speakers stressed that security personnel deserved greater recognition for sacrifices made defending Nigeria against terrorism, banditry and other crimes.
Founder of the initiative, Chief Sunday Odita, said the awards were established to recognise individuals making significant contributions to national development without seeking public attention or personal recognition.
Odita said many military personnel had paid the supreme sacrifice while protecting Nigeria, adding that their dedication and courage deserved sustained appreciation from government, organisations and ordinary citizens across the country.
Odita, who is also the Publisher of the Razor News and President of Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), said that honouring security personnel would inspire serving officers and reassure them that their sacrifices were valued.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting troops deployed on various operational fronts nationwide, adding that security personnel were risking their lives daily for the safety of citizens, stressing that Nigerians must stand behind the armed forces and other security agencies.
In his remarks, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, ACC John Onoja, described the initiative as timely, saying recognising silent contributors would encourage patriotism and national service.
Onoja, who was conferred with the Grand Patron of SHA, said objective recognition of hardworking individuals would inspire others to embrace integrity, sacrifice and selfless service, rather than pursuing personal gain or political advantage.
He urged Nigerians to place national interest above personal considerations, stressing that building a peaceful and prosperous country required collective responsibility, commitment and patriotism from every citizen.
According to him, security is everyone’s responsibility, requiring active participation by traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, students, political leaders and community members through credible information sharing and cooperation.
He also urged security personnel to discharge their responsibilities professionally, selflessly and with respect for citizens, noting that public trust remained critical to achieving lasting peace and stability.
Onoja pledged to expand the reach of the Silent Heroes Awards as its Grand Patron, saying broader recognition would encourage more Nigerians to embrace patriotism, sacrifice and service to humanity.
Speaking with newsmen, the President of the Congress of African Journalists, Chris Isiguzo, has urged leaders to remain accountable and prioritise the welfare of citizens.
Isiguzo, also former President , Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who received the Silent Heroes Leadership Award, said the recognition reflected years of dedicated service to journalism.
He said the organisers had carefully assessed his contributions as former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and current President of the Congress of African Journalists before conferring the award.
According to him, the recognition belongs to journalists across Nigeria and Africa whose dedication and professionalism made his achievements and leadership possible throughout his career.
He commended the organisers for conducting thorough assessments before recognising recipients, noting that journalists were meticulous and objective in evaluating outstanding contributions to society.
Isiguzo said the award conveyed a strong message that public office holders and leaders should always remember that citizens constantly observe their actions and decisions.
He urged leaders to demonstrate integrity, accountability and people-centred leadership, stressing that democracy could only thrive when leaders remained committed to serving the interests of the people.
“Wherever you are, people are watching you. Conduct yourself in ways that inspire confidence and strengthen democracy through service to the people,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award featured different categories recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in their various areas of endeavours. (NAN)
