Two upright citizens, Ms. Ngozi Kekwaaru and Mallam Auwalu Alkasim, have been recognized and rewarded for their integrity by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

During the 58th Annual Bankers’ Dinner and Grand Finale of its 60th Anniversary celebrations, held in Lagos, the CIBN presented the Outstanding Integrity Award to Ms. Kekwaaru, a staff member of the Eko Hotel and Suites, and Mallam Alkasim, a tricycle driver in Kano State.

Ms. Kekwaaru received recognition for returning $70,000 that a hotel guest had left behind. Conversely, Mallam Alkasim was commended for his honesty in returning N15 million that a passenger in his tricycle had forgotten.

FCMB gave cash gifts of N1 million to each person to underscore the bank’s deep appreciation for commitment to ethical behaviour.

Managing Director, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, said: “We congratulate Ms Kekwaaru and Mallam Alkasim for receiving the Outstanding Integrity Award from the CIBN. In a world where integrity is becoming increasingly scarce, your actions are a beacon of hope, setting a standard for others to follow. Your ethical conduct aligns with our values at First City Monument Bank, and we are immensely proud to have you as a member of our extended community. Our reward of N1 million expresses our appreciation for your actions, which embody integrity, a principle we hold dear. We are confident that your story will continue to inspire others to embrace integrity in all their endeavours.”

President/Chairman of the Council of the CIBN, Dr. Ken Opara, FCIB, said: “Ms Ngozi Kekwaaru and Mallam Auwalu Alkasim have demonstrated the true essence of integrity through their selfless actions. Their honesty and commitment to doing the right thing, even when faced with personal gain, exemplify the values that underpin the banking profession. The motto of the Institute is ‘Trust and Honesty’, which is what the duo exhibited. The CIBN is honoured to recognise their outstanding contributions and hopes that their stories will inspire young Nigerians to uphold the highest standards of integrity in their personal and professional lives.”