Thelma Osatohanmwen
In a display of commendable integrity, Awwalu Salisu, a 23-year-old commercial tricyclist from Kano, has garnered widespread recognition and support after returning the sum of N15 million left in his tricycle by a Chadian businessman in 2023.
This act of honesty propelled Awwalu into the spotlight, earning him the prestigious ‘Outstanding Young Person of the Year 2023’ Award at LEADERSHIP Media Group’s annual conference and awards ceremony.
The accolade, bestowed upon him on Tuesday, served as a testament to his rare demonstration of integrity in a challenging societal landscape.
Amidst the celebration, Awwalu received generous offers of scholarships from distinguished individuals, reflecting a competitive spirit of appreciation for his exemplary conduct.
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) and recipient of the LEADERSHIP Politician of the Year 2023 Award, extended the first scholarship offer to Awwalu.
He pledged support for Awwalu’s education up to PhD level at Baze University in Abuja.
Not to be outdone, Niger State governor Mohammed Umar Bago, co-winner of the LEADERSHIP Governor of the Year Award, humorously remarked on the competitive nature of the event, asserting that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could not be overshadowed by the Labour Party.
In a grand gesture of appreciation, Governor Bago announced a comprehensive scholarship package amounting to N250 million for Awwalu.
Under this scholarship, Awwalu will receive N50 million each from Governor Bago personally, President Bola Tinubu, ministers, the APC Governors Forum, and the Niger State government.
Governor Bago pledged to honour Awwalu’s integrity by naming one of the road projects in Niger State after the commendable Kano Keke rider.
