Friday, September 11, 2026 witnessed a rare display of honesty and integrity, as a commercial bus driver, Mr. Onyekachi Ikpendu, returned over 400 thousand Naira in cash forgotten in his vehicle by a passenger, Mrs. Nkechi John.
According to reports, Mrs. John, a petty trader, who boarded the bus from Uzuakoli en route to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, alighted at Ubani Market, forgetting to take her bag containing the money and other personal belongings in the vehicle.
Mrs John on realising that she had forgotten her bag, immediately rushed to the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, where the driver had already secured the cash and other belongings, waiting for the owner to return.
Speaking in an interview with journalists at Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, the bus driver, Mr. Onyekachi Ikpendu said he had no intention of keeping the money for himself, stressing that he was content with earning a living through his honest labour.
“I am grateful because I am not eating somebody’s sweat; I am eating my own.
“No amount of money I see now will move me to take what does not belong to me,” Mr. Ikpendu stated.
He added that returning the money was important to him because he believes that God rewards honesty and good deeds.
Expressing her feelings, the owner of the forgotten bag, Mrs. Nkechi John, who was full of gratitude, thanked the driver for his sincerity and commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for building the terminal.
She made it clear that if the terminal had not been built, it might have been difficult for her to trace the vehicle and recover the cash, which she revealed was business money.
Reacting to the development, the Abia State Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu, commended the driver for his integrity.
He described the gesture as “a display of integrity, sincerity and commitment” and appreciated the driver for setting a positive example for others to emulate.
He described the incident as evidence of a positive change in the mindset of Abians, which he attributed to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
According to Dr. Ukaegbu, “Our people are showing gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, for the good work.
“Honestly, the mindset of the people is changing towards doing the right thing without even being compelled to do so.”Dr. Ukaegbu stated.
The Commissioner used the opportunity to urge residents to continue demonstrating honesty and integrity in their daily activities, noting that the driver’s action was a worthy example of responsible citizenship.
