For the umpteenth time, Josephine Ugwu, a cleaner at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, who returned N12m she found was honoured for exhibiting qualities of honesty and patriotism.

This time around, Ugwu was not the only one honoured for exemplary conduct by St. Leo’s Catholic Private School, at its 2016 graduation and award ceremony, other awardees include Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, who received special award in athletics; Folarin Falana, school worthy ambassador; Mrs. Catherine Adesomoju, award in humility and Koffi Atiemo-Gyan, for his charitable role in the society.

Head Teacher of the school, Rev. Sis. Felicia Lewis, said part of the reasons the awardees were recognised was to let the pupils know that integrity, hard work and discipline pays.

She added that the awardees were a source of hope and inspiration to the younger generation, including those who believe that there is no hope for Nigeria.

She said, “To practically demonstrate part of the moral and societal values we are giving to our pupils, we looked at some of the people in the society that have exhibited good attitudes such as Ugwu. With this, we want to let the children know that integrity pays, and when they come across any challenge they will be able to discern between good and evil.

“We are bringing Ugwu out as a model to young people and the society at large. She has exposed the Nigerian society to the deeds of integrity and honesty.”

While charging the outgoing pupils to be morally upright in all their dealings, Lewis stressed, “We have prepared them well for the future. We have inculcated in them the values of life, such as honesty, integrity and hard word. In academics, we have done all that is best for them… all that we know will make them be able to cope with the rigours of secondary school education and we are sure they will advance.”