Ms Ugwu, a cleaner with a concessionaire with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Patovilki Industrial Cleaning, has been rewarded by the Federal Government for returning the N12million she found at the Lagos airport toilet.
The Federal Government yesterday conferred the airport cleaner with Citizens Responsibility Recognition Award (CRRA). She was also given an undisclosed sum.
Presenting her the award and the National flag, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director-General Mike Omeri stated government was honouring her for her honesty, which he noted is in line with the agency's new slogan.
The cleaner, he said, has redeemed the country's image “which has been tainted by the conduct of a few Nigerians.”
Omeri stated the agency would not relent in rewarding Nigerians that are honest in the discharge of their duties.
He urged airport workers to continue to display such exemplary conduct which is Nigerians' traditional way of life.
Omeri stated the cleaner has joined the league of other honest Nigerians, including Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola, who was rewarded for apprehending a traffic offender.
Other Nigerians, including a cab operator in Abuja, who returned money in the past, have been rewarded with the award.
Omeri said: “The Federal Government through the National Orientation Agency decided to honour the airport cleaner as a way of rewarding honesty and transparency. This recognition is in line with our slogan to Nigerians to do the right thing. Showing good example is part of the good values that Nigerians should emulate. Three years ago, we gave similar recognition of honour to other Nigerians that have exhibited good conduct of honesty.
“I want to commend airport workers for their good conduct because people all over the world travel through the airport. I want to urge the airport staff to remain honest, which is part of what we are as a people. Many people have been given this recognition in the past, and we hope it will serve as a platform for honour.”
Omeri stated the cleaner’s conduct has opened new vistas for the company where she works.
In his remarks, Regional Manager, Southwest Airports, FAAN, Mr Remi Aromiwura stated the authority is excited with the cleaner's conduct, noting that it is an evidence that the environment is safe for passengers and users of the airport.