A Nigerian-American woman, Victoria Ogunremi, has earned widespread admiration for returning $5,700 she discovered in a restroom at her workplace in New Jersey, USA.
Her act of honesty has been praised as an exemplary display of integrity and kindness, especially by Nigerians living abroad. Ogunremi explained in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that her decision to return the money stemmed from her empathy for the person who lost it.
“The thought of the distress or trouble it could cause the person inspired me,” Ogunremi said.
“I returned it without hesitation because of my Christian faith and values. Honesty brings peace of mind, and it’s a virtue I hold dear.”
After finding the money, Ogunremi was able to locate its owner before informing her employer.
Her colleagues expressed admiration for her actions, noting they were not surprised by her display of kindness.
“The management was very pleased and proud of me. The owner was incredibly grateful and showered me with praises. They all said it could only be the act of someone with the fear of God,” she recalled.
Ogunremi credited her late father for instilling in her strong moral principles, especially the lesson never to take what doesn’t belong to her.
She emphasized that honesty is a value she hopes to pass down to her children and grandchildren.
“Whether or not anyone is watching, doing the right thing matters,” she said.
“A good reputation is priceless, and peace of mind is invaluable. No matter how hard things get, always return what isn’t yours. Doing the right thing brings rewards beyond anything material.”
Her story stands as a shining example of integrity and compassion, showing that doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest choice, can have a profound impact.
