Chidinma Iroegbu and Esther Oseyiomon
Security experts and media professionals have urged Nigerians to support security agencies through patriotism, credible intelligence sharing and community collaboration, declaring that, “We must stand firmly behind the armed forces and other security agencies in their efforts to secure the nation.”
The call was made at the 8th Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, where speakers said national security requires the collective commitment of government, citizens and institutions.
Founder of the initiative, Sunday Odita, said the awards were created to honour individuals making outstanding contributions to national development without seeking public recognition or personal gain.
Odita, who is also Publisher of Razor News and President of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), said many military personnel had paid the supreme sacrifice and deserved sustained appreciation for their courage and service.
According to him, recognising security personnel would boost the morale of serving officers and reassure them that their sacrifices are valued. He added: “Security personnel are making enormous sacrifices for the safety of all Nigerians.”
Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja, described the initiative as timely, saying honouring silent achievers would strengthen patriotism and inspire selfless national service.
Onoja, who was decorated as Grand Patron of the Silent Heroes Awards, said objective recognition of hardworking individuals would encourage integrity, sacrifice and commitment above personal or political interests.
President of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Chris Isiguzo, urged public office holders to remain accountable and prioritise citizens’ welfare while accepting the Silent Heroes Leadership Award.
Isiguzo, who is also the immediate past President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the honour reflected years of service and belonged to journalists across Nigeria and Africa whose professionalism contributed to his achievements.
The ceremony featured several award categories celebrating individuals who distinguished themselves through exemplary leadership, public service and contributions to national development across different sectors.