Heroic Halogen guards get N.5m scholarship awards

• Archbishop of Canterbury, international community commend gesture

The duo of Achi Daniel and Francis Emepueaku of Halogen Security outfit will after yesterday’s celebration tell anyone that cares to listen till they go down to their graves that ‘Honesty indeed truly pays.’ Daniel is a father of four from Delta State. Emepueaku hails from Anambra.

With all the accolades that have trailed their uncommon display of honesty and integrity, including a commendation from President Muhammadu Buhari, for forfeiting temporary wealth to gain an enduring honour, they both seemed subdued by the ‘five minutes of fame’ when they were yesterday unveiled to the media in Lagos.The duo were yesterday honoured by their company in recognition of their rare integrity and professionalism. Daniel and Emepueaku, in the presence of family members and friends, were awarded the sum of N250,000 each, scholarships for diploma in security management and plaque of recognition.

In a related development, Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is the latest to inquire and salute the Halogen duo, whose story has drawn global attention.Daniel and Emepueaku, on guard duty at the new multi-level car park, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, last Saturday found and returned a misplaced bag containing a phone, large sum of money in foreign currencies, as well as expensive gift items, to the owner who had just arrived Nigeria from the United States.

Daniel, a junior guard recently deployed to the facility, found the lost bag and immediately handed it over to his supervisor, Emepueaku, for proper handling and investigation that discovered the owner. The story went viral and drew local and international attention when host of the U.S. returnees, Dr. Banji Oyegbami, wrote about it in the social media.

The company’s management, amid fanfare and ceremonial parades honoured Daniel and Emepueaku for the display of the company’s core value. The site Contract Manager, Adewale Ige and rest of the team, were also rewarded with certificates of honour.Group Managing Director of Halogen Security, Wale Olaoye, expressed deep satisfaction at the open display of integrity by the two guards, adding that they exhibited Halogen Security’s intrinsic values.

Olaoye said: “We are particularly proud of Achi Daniel and Francis Emepueaku for their impressive show of integrity, passion, excellence and respect. Those are our inestimable values. These two heroes represent who we truly are – the trustworthy partner anyone cannot do without. They are who we are – one of the best brands from Nigeria. I am proud of them,” he said.

Oyegbami, a Medical Doctor at Beta Hospital Agege, Lagos, said he decided to write the story because of the rare act of honesty and their refusal to accept financial reward, “with the duo saying they were only doing their job.

“I wrote the story not to sell Halogen, myself or the people involved, but to let people know that Nigeria is not as bad as people thought. We have men of integrity and honesty to lead the country aright. Nigerians are normal people and this is another example for the whole world to see.

“On this matter, the Archbishop of Canterbury has called me from United Kingdom. He didn’t know me but found my profile and called to confirm the story. Other people around the world have also called to celebrate the act. Presidency was proud of it yesterday (Wednesday). That is who we really are as Nigerians,” he said.

Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Saleh Dunoma, said: “In the history of this airport, you will always be remembered as role models, reference points, shining lights and good ambassadors. Some may look at you and tag you stupid, but I want to assure you that by virtue of this act, you have secured seats for yourselves in the country and the comity of those with credibility and integrity.”