Victoria Ogunremi, a Nigerian-American living in New Jersey, United States, has earned praise for returning $5,700 in cash that she found in the restroom of her workplace.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, Ogunremi said her decision was driven by her Christian faith, her upbringing, and concern for the person who lost the money.
“The thought of the pain or trauma it could cause inspired me,” Ogunremi explained. “I did not hesitate to return it because of my Christian faith and beliefs. Honesty brings peace of mind, and it is the key virtue I cherish.”
After finding the money, Ogunremi located its owner before notifying her workplace management about the situation. Her act of honesty was met with widespread admiration from her employer, colleagues, and the grateful owner of the cash.
“The management was very pleased and proud of me. The owner was incredibly grateful and showered me with praise,” she recounted. “They told me that it could only have been an act of kindness by a woman with the fear of God to do something like this.”
Ogunremi credited her moral values to her late father, who taught her and her siblings to never take what does not belong to them. She said, “Such principles have guided me throughout my life, knowing that honesty is a principle I hope to instill in my children and grandchildren.”
Reflecting on her action, Ogunremi added, “Whether someone is watching or not, doing the right thing matters. A good name is priceless, and peace of mind is golden. No matter how tough your situation is, always return what does not belong to you. Doing the right thing brings rewards far greater than anything material.”
Her colleagues also admired the gesture, with many not surprised by her display of integrity and compassion.
