In a remarkable display of honesty, Malama Abdulkadir-Yanmama, a woman from Katsina State, returned N748,320 that had mistakenly been credited to her account.
The money was meant for the Federal Government’s Home Grown School Feeding programme in the state, designed to provide free meals to primary school pupils.
Abdulkadir-Yanmama’s decision to return the money has earned her widespread praise and a generous reward from the Katsina State Government.
On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the Katsina State Government awarded her N500,000 for her honesty.
The Executive Director of the Katsina State Social Investment Programme Agency (KASIPA), Dr. Mudassir Nasir, presented the reward to Abdulkadir-Yanmama.
Speaking at the presentation, Dr. Nasir explained that the woman had received an alert with a payment titled “payment for vendors providing food for primary school pupils.”
“She came to our office because she wasn’t part of the school feeding programme. She wasn’t a vendor, and she didn’t belong to any of the groups involved in the scheme,” Nasir said.
In line with proper verification procedures, the state requested a bank statement from Abdulkadir-Yanmama.
The office of the Auditor-General then verified her claim that the funds had been mistakenly sent to her.
Dr. Nasir said that after confirming the truth of the matter, Governor Dikko Radda had directed that the woman be honored.
“She was appreciated with N500,000, a commendation letter, and an offer to participate in the next school feeding programme,” Nasir explained.
Governor Radda expressed his happiness with Abdulkadir-Yanmama’s integrity and encouraged others to follow her example.
“The Katsina State Government is proud of this woman. Her honesty is an example that all of us should follow,” he said.
Alhaji Anas Tukur-Abdulƙadir, the state’s Auditor-General, also praised Abdulkadir-Yanmama for her actions, suggesting that she deserved more recognition.
Abdulkadir-Yanmama humbly accepted the reward and thanked the state government.
“I knew that I had to return the money because it doesn’t belong to me,” she said.
She added that she was grateful for the support and honor shown by the Katsina government, as well as the encouragement she received from the KASIPA management.
Abdulkadir-Yanmama’s decision to return the money highlights the importance of honesty, even in the face of temptation.
The Katsina State Government’s reward serves as an example of how integrity is valued and appreciated in the state.
Her story has become an inspiring tale of moral courage and is being celebrated across Katsina State.
In a country where corruption and dishonesty are often in the spotlight, Abdulkadir-Yanmama’s actions shine as a reminder that doing the right thing can lead to recognition and reward.
Her story has been met with approval from residents of the state, many of whom have expressed admiration for her honesty.
“I am proud of her. It’s not easy to do what she did,” said one resident of Katsina.
The Katsina Government’s quick response and recognition of Abdulkadir-Yanmama’s honesty shows a commitment to rewarding good behavior in society.
It also reinforces the value of integrity, a quality that is often overlooked but remains essential for the progress of the state and the country as a whole.
In a statement, the Katsina State Government promised to continue encouraging such positive behavior among its citizens.
“Honesty is a virtue that must be celebrated. The Katsina State Government will always stand by those who do the right thing,” the government stated.
