In a remarkable turn of events, Awwalu Salisu, a 23-year-old commercial tricyclist from Kano, who displayed exceptional honesty by returning a sum of N15 million left in his tricycle by a Chadian businessman in 2023, has been awarded a scholarship worth N250 million.
Awwalu’s extraordinary act of integrity earned him the prestigious ‘Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2023’ Award at LEADERSHIP Media Group’s annual conference and awards ceremony, held on Tuesday.
Among the distinguished guests was Peter Obi, a fellow awardee and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), who, as the recipient of the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2023 award, was the first to extend a scholarship offer to Awwalu. Obi pledged to sponsor Awwalu’s education up to the PhD level at the renowned Baze University in Abuja.
However, the generosity didn’t stop there. Mohammed Umar Bago, the governor of Niger State and co-winner of the LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year Award, seized the moment with a touch of humor, remarking that the Labour Party shouldn’t outshine the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In response, Governor Bago announced an additional N250 million scholarship award for Awwalu, intending to both commend his honesty and inspire other young Nigerians to follow suit. The scholarship fund will be sourced from various contributors, including Governor Bago himself, President Bola Tinubu, his ministers, the APC Governors Forum, and the Niger State government.
Awwalu’s remarkable demonstration of integrity serves as a beacon of hope and sets a precedent for ethical behavior in society. His story underscores the importance of honesty and integrity, qualities that deserve recognition and reward.
Credit: Punch News