Honour for cleaner who returned N12m

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Division yesterday presented Ms. Josephine Ugwu, the airport cleaner, who returned N12 million found at the Lagos Airport toilet with a certificate and plaque for her honesty.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Mr. Haminu Makama who presented the award to her on behalf of the PCRC members, urged her to continue with her honesty despite the high unemployment rate in the country.

Ugwu is a cleaner with a concessionaire of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Patovilki Industrial Cleaning. Before she returned the N12 million late last year, she was on a monthly salary of N7,000.

Makama explained that Ms Ugwu was honoured for doing the right thing in a society where many would have disappeared with the money, stressing that her conduct would project the image of the country well, even in international country.

He urged other Nigerians, especially workers, to emulate her exemplary character in their conduct.

The Chairman, PCRC, MMIA Division, Alhaji Falekulo Akinlolu Lamidi, said the committee recognised Ms Ugwu for her character.

He said: “Today, we are recognising a honest worker, who has displayed great character that is worthy of emulation to others. Just yesterday (Wednesday), some groups forced themselves into banks and carted away several millions of naira while only one person returned the sum of N12 million that belongs to a passenger.

“I believe that with what she has done, she should be recognised by all. The money she returned was much, but there are some rewards that are bigger than money, which she has displayed. PCRC is very impressed with your courageous and honest behaviours and this is worth being emulated.

“Some people may be abusing you, but God will continue to shoulder your responsibility. That money you returned could build a house, but can’t build a home. We hope your yet unborn generation would benefit from your honesty.”

The committee will hang her picture in the proposed PCRC building at the Beesam Police Station within the airport.

The Royal Majesty, Ewu Town, Oba Shakirudeen Adesina Kuti, lauded the award recipient for her courageous character.

Ms Ugwu noted that it was not the first time she was returning money within the airport vicinity.

She said she had earlier returned N600,000 left at the airport toilet and another N3 million.

Ms Ugwu thanked the committee for recognising her and promised that she would continue to display honesty in all her deeds.

She added that she was yet to get the job promised her by the management of FAAN, but noted “it is under process and I have submitted my credentials with them”.