By Salim Yunusa,

Less than two weeks ago, an act of kindness made waves across Nigerian social media. Auwal Ahmad Dankode, a cleaner at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, discovered $10,000—about N16 million—left behind by a passenger. Rather than pocket the money, he promptly returned it. While many praised his honesty and integrity, a vocal section of netizens, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), insulted him, calling him “naïve” and “clueless.” They argued that as a cleaner, he might never see such a sum in his lifetime.

In response, Auwal stated simply that he had been taught not to take what did not belong to him and that he acted to please Allah. Despite his clear moral reasoning, the backlash from some young Nigerians reveals a troubling trend: a growing disbelief in honesty and selflessness.

But Auwal’s story is just one among many.

There are countless Nigerians whose acts of integrity and bravery have gone largely unnoticed. Consider the late Lieutenant-Colonel Abu Ali, who died fighting Boko Haram, or Drs. Stella Adadevoh and Dora Akunyili, who gave their all in service to the nation. There’s also Yakubu Modu Fannami, a young student who sacrificed himself to prevent a female suicide bomber from entering a crowded mosque. We must also remember Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who saved over 300 Christians during an unrest in Jos.

These are the true heroes of Nigeria, yet their stories often fade into obscurity. Auwal, the cleaner, was promoted by his employer and commended by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), but beyond that and the online insults, little else came of his selfless act. Similarly, Fannami’s sacrifice is mostly remembered in Facebook tributes. Should the price of being good in Nigeria be neglect and underappreciation?

The NOA could take the lead in recognizing and rewarding these selfless acts, ensuring that those who embody the best of Nigeria are celebrated. This would help inspire younger generations to embrace honesty, patriotism, and kindness. A national program that shines a spotlight on these unsung heroes could foster a culture of integrity in a society where greed and corruption often overshadow decency.

At a time when crime and corruption are glamorized, and the pursuit of wealth often takes precedence over integrity, we cannot afford to overlook the importance of promoting goodness. Society reflects what it celebrates. When those who do good are neglected or mocked, while wrongdoers are rewarded, it sends a message that honesty is futile.

The outcry when the Nigerian government proposed granting amnesty to insurgents is a case in point. Citizens were justifiably angry that criminals could be absolved of their heinous acts while law-abiding citizens continue to struggle. Likewise, it is disheartening to see the best graduating students in schools rewarded with paltry gifts like books, while beauty queens and musicians are showered with cars and money. What does this say about our values?

It is crucial that we begin to reward acts of integrity and discipline in meaningful ways. The NOA, working with government agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and even private companies, can help create a system that recognizes and promotes good deeds. This would not only encourage others to follow suit but also restore hope in the idea that honesty and selflessness are valued in Nigeria.

The media also plays a vital role in this. Rather than focus solely on bad news, Nigerian media outlets should highlight positive stories like Auwal’s. This would help shift the narrative about Nigeria, both at home and abroad, away from the negative headlines that often dominate discussions about the country.

Unfortunately, Nigeria’s reputation has been tarnished by the actions of a few bad actors. Around the world, Nigerians are sometimes treated unfairly based on the perception that we are a nation of scammers and criminals. However, stories like Auwal’s remind us—and the world—that honesty and integrity still thrive in our society.

In a world that often celebrates success at any cost, be like Auwal Dankode. The poor cleaner returned a fortune he found, not because he had to, but because he believed it was the right thing to do. His example, and others like it, show that there is still hope for a Nigeria where goodness is valued above all else.

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