Akwa Ibom Driver Nse Ekpenyong Honored for Honesty

Nse Ekpenyong, a commercial mini-bus driver in Akwa Ibom State, discovered N400,000 left behind by a passenger on December 17, 2025. Despite living in poverty and struggling to support his family of four, he kept the money for 11 months, hoping to find the owner.

Ekpenyong, who resides in a thatched hut in Okobo Local Government Area, recounted how he found the money after dropping off passengers and immediately sought to return it. He refrained from using the money for personal needs, even as he faced financial difficulties, including vehicle repairs that left him unable to work for three weeks.

His story of integrity reached Governor Umo Eno through his Special Assistant on Media, Emmanuel Nicholas, who praised Ekpenyong's commitment to honesty. As a result, Ekpenyong received a house and a cash reward, underscoring the value of integrity in challenging circumstances.