Victoria Ogunremi, a Nigerian-American lady, returned $5,700 in cash that she had discovered in the restroom of her New Jersey, USA, place of employment.
The majority of Nigerians residing overseas have characterized the action as one of the most admirable displays of integrity and goodwill.
In a phone conversation on Monday, Ogunremi told the News Agency of Nigeria that her employer, coworkers, and the individual who lost the money had all praised the gesture. She claims that concern for the individual who lost the money led to the decision to return it.
“The thought of the pain or trauma it could cause inspired me, Ogunyemi said.
“I did not hesitate to return it because of my Christian faith and beliefs. Honesty brings peace of mind, and it is the key virtue I cherish.”
She claimed to have located the money’s owner before alerting the management of her employer’s company.
“The management was very pleased and proud of me. The owner was incredibly grateful and showered me with praise.
“They told me that it could only have been an act of kindness by a woman with the fear of God to do something like this,” she recounted.
The Nigerian-American attributed her kind nature to her late father’s teachings on moral upbringing, adding “he taught us never to take what does not belong to us.
“Such principles have guided me throughout my life, knowing that honesty is a principle I hope to instill in my children and grandchildren.
“Whether someone is watching or not, doing the right thing matters. A good name is priceless, and peace of mind is golden.
“No matter how tough your situation is, always return what does not belong to you. Doing the right thing brings rewards far greater than anything material.”
According to NAN, Ogunremi’s gesture is a brilliant illustration of compassion and integrity—of doing the right thing even when it is not the most convenient course of action.
NAN