In ensuring a bright future for any nation, it is pertinent to consciously invest in the youth, particularly children, so as to build a vibrant and formidable tomorrow for the good of all.
It is on this premise that Dufil Prima Foods plc through its CSR initiative – The Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) is set to reward and empower three children this year.
Manpreet Singh, head of marketing, Dufil Prima Foods, while speaking at the flag-off of the seventh edition of IIDA search/call for entries for the prestigious Indomie Independence Day Awards for heroes of Nigeria, said three deserving children would be awarded with scholarship worth of N1,000,000; N750,000 and 500,000 for the first, second and third prize, respectively.
Singh disclosed that if we must build a better and formidable nation for the coming generation, we must endeavour to invest in them by encouraging them and motivating them with initiatives like this one so as to secure the future we desire. According to him, “there is no gainsaying that the future of every nation and by extension the world is largely dependent on the youth, many of whom are children. Hence, it is important for a nation that indeed wants to grow, to make conscious efforts to provide a better future for them as the nation’s destiny lies in their hands.
“That is why Dufil continues to be passionate about the IIDA and the impact it has continued to bring to bear on the children of this nation. We would not relent; I assure that we would continue to empower our children through the IIDA and many other initiatives.
“That is why we at Dufil believe that utmost love, attention and support be given to these blessings from God – our children.”
He also noted that since the inception of the IIDA, Dufil has continued to communicate the rationale behind the award which is to identify, recognise and celebrate selfless children who at one point or the other, have put everything aside for the good of others, risking their lives in the process.
This recognition of these unsung heroes has always been of great importance to us, since we commenced the awards and if it were within our powers to celebrate every one of them, we would; but then again the reality is that we can only pick three of them.
Our motivation rests firmly on the fact that a lot of kids are out there who do the extraordinary day by day, yet are unsung heroes who have never been celebrated. That is why Dufil has resolved that every year we would not relent in our search all around Nigeria for children who have performed unique acts of bravery, worthy of celebration.
On his part, Tope Ashiwaju, public relations manager, Dufil Prima Foods, said the last six editions of the award had been immensely successful, attracting strong commendation from various quarters within and globally.
According to Ashiwaju, “In reinforcing our brands commitment to corporate social responsibilities, Dufil feels that it is very important to help ensure that children are set in the right direction very early in their lives; if they are positively influenced with good traditional values at the beginning, then they are bound to become champions or brand ambassadors to the entire world, which would ultimately see us at Dufil Prima Foods, more than fulfilled.”
Ifeoma Okeke
