Three children have been selected as winners for a special award that seeks to identify, recognize and celebrate acts of heroism in children.

The winners for the award have already been invited to receive their awards at a special ceremony billed for the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on November 26, of 2008.

First of its kind in Nigeria, the award is tagged "Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria."

Speaking at a press conference heralding the award in Lagos, Pawan Sharma, Head of Marketing, Dufil Prima Foods Plc. makers of Indomie Instant noodles said the purpose of the award is to inspire heroism in our youngsters and to acknowledge and encourage children who, at the great risk of losing their own life, commit acts of extreme bravery to save life or property of someone else. It would also recognise children who despite having limitations have performed far beyond the ordinary and pushed the limits of courage and performance to a new level.

Sharma said in order to get deserving individuals for the award, an independent research organization was commissioned to collect, seek out and check for true stories, sited events, persons and places from the field pan Nigeria about kids who at one time or the other have performed these acts.

A total of 24 entries were nominated which were scrutinized by a panel of assessors who later shortlist 17 for consideration by a panel of judges comprising Reuben Abati, Chairman, Editorial Board, Guardian Newspapers., Ben Ayede, Head, Globacom Foundation, Funlola Adewale, MD, UBA Foundation, Prof. Longe, Dean of Students Affairs, University of Lagos, Amb. Segun Olusola who was represented by Jimi Olusola, MD, Africa Refugee Foundation, and Iea Jonathan Ichaever of UNICEF.

Of the 17, a final selection of three best acts from the available entries was adjudged based on demonstration of exceptional courage, leadership, excellence, skills displayed, bearing in mind the degree of risk involved, the determination to conduct the act, the future goals and likely impact on society, and whether it's an inspirational role model for other kids.

The award scheme would be a yearly event and criteria is made such that, the act does not necessarily have to be done in the year of the award.