Mining Marshals Commander Onoja Named Grand Patron of Silent Heroes Awards Initiative

Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, has been invested as the Grand Patron of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative (SHA) 2026.

The organisers said this is in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the fight against illegal mining and his outstanding contributions to national service.

The honour, conferred on Saturday during the 2026 edition of the Silent Heroes Awards held in Abuja, placed Onoja among a select group of distinguished Nigerians whose exemplary leadership, resilience and dedication have continued to advance the country’s development across critical sectors.

The ceremony, themed “Invisible Light, Illuminating Lives,” celebrated exceptional Nigerians drawn from the security, governance, public and private sectors whose quiet but impactful contributions have continued to strengthen national development.

Speaking during the event, Convener of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Mr. Odita Sunday, explained that the awards, established in 2018, were conceived to recognise Nigerians whose sacrifices and steadfast commitment to service often go unnoticed despite their far-reaching impact on society.

According to him, the initiative has, over the last eight years, remained committed to celebrating individuals who embody integrity, discipline, innovation, patriotism and selfless service, while encouraging a culture that places national interest above personal recognition.

Sunday described Onoja as an exceptional public servant whose leadership has inspired confidence within the security architecture and whose relentless campaign against illegal mining has contributed significantly to the protection of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

He noted that beyond his operational successes as Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Onoja’s consistent support for the ideals of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative and his commitment to promoting excellence in public service made him eminently deserving of the investiture as Grand Patron.

The convener also commended partners and stakeholders whose support has sustained the initiative over the years, while acknowledging the mentorship and encouragement of notable personalities, including the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin; retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu; Dr. Matthew Ibadin, and several other supporters of the initiative.

Responding after receiving the honour, Onoja expressed gratitude to the organisers for finding him worthy of the recognition, describing the investiture as both a privilege and a greater call to national service.

He first dedicated the honour to the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for providing the leadership and institutional platform that have enabled the Mining Marshals to deliver effectively on their mandate.

He also dedicated the recognition to the officers and men of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, applauding their courage, professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication in confronting illegal mining activities across the country despite the enormous risks associated with the assignment.

According to him, the recognition belongs to every member of the unit whose daily sacrifices continue to safeguard Nigeria’s critical mineral assets and support the Federal Government’s efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector.

Onoja reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the operational mandate of the Mining Marshals and sustaining collaborative efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s mineral wealth while promoting lawful mining activities and national development.

The award is the latest in a growing list of recognitions earned by the Mining Marshals Commander for his uncompromising campaign against illegal mining, a sector that has increasingly attracted government attention due to its implications for national security, environmental protection and economic growth.

Other prominent recipients at the event included Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, who received the Silent Hero Award for Education and Infrastructure Development; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, honoured for his contributions to defence media operations; Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State, recognised as the Silent Hero of Food Security; and Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, who was honoured with the Silent Hero in Governance Award, alongside several other distinguished Nigerians.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the book, “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes,” presented by the Special Guest of Honour.

The publication chronicles the inspiring stories of remarkable Nigerians whose quiet sacrifices and enduring commitment continue to shape the nation’s progress without seeking public acclaim.

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