CSO honours commercial driver who returned N1 million to owner

In commemoration of Yobe state 29 years anniversary, the Network For Yobe Civil Society Organisations (NYCSO) has presented an award of “Ambassador of Honesty and Contentment” to Kiri Umaru a commercial driver who returned N1 million he found to the owner.

The story of Mallam Kiri Umaru, a Yobe commercial driver who returned money to the owner was first featured in Kanem Trust two months ago.

Presenting the award to the driver, the Executive Director, Yobe Network for Civil Society Organisations, Alhaji Baba Shehu, said the award was to encourage honesty in the society.

Shehu said that finding people with a selfless heart like Kiri Umaru was very rare hence the need to honor him.

“This was a man that has been commuting for almost two decades and he never owns his own car. He found money worth buying a car but willingly handed over the money to the leadership of his union to give it back to the rightful owner.

“We read his story on the media and, therefore, deemed it necessary to celebrate him.”

Prompted by the award, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni also presented a cash donation of N250,000 and food items to the recipient.

The donations, which were handed over through the State Focal person for North East Development Commission, Dr Ali Ibrahim Abbas was meant to support Umaru’s households for at least six months.

He said the government decided to reward him with a token with a view to appreciate his action.

In his response, Umaru said this was not the first time he returned the money he found to the owner.

“I earlier returned N150,000, and N50,000 I found separately to different owners and N1,380,000 the last two months.’’

“This doesn’t mean I have nothing to do with money, to be sincere despite my long stay in the driving profession I never own N50,000 of my own, but I passionately believe that whatever I found that is not from my sweat is not meant for me.’’

He thanked Gov. Buni and NYCSO for the support, assuring that the gesture has further encouraged him to ensure honesty in whatever he would do.

“I am so excited and to me, these donations are far more than all the cash I returned,” he emphasised.