Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by Henry Owen
Jos – In a heartwarming celebration of integrity and moral courage, Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has formally honoured Hajiya Zainab Idris, a pilgrim under the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, for her remarkable act of honesty during the 2025 Hajj in Makkah.
The recognition came after Hajiya Zainab discovered a sum of $5,000 while performing her spiritual duties and, without hesitation, returned it to its rightful owner. Her prompt action involved notifying officials of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who worked diligently to ensure the money was safely returned. The incident has since become a symbol of integrity, earning widespread admiration both within Nigeria and across the global Muslim community.
Governor Mutfwang, speaking at a ceremony held in Jos, lauded Hajiya Zainab for her exemplary behaviour. In a public presentation through the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, the Governor awarded her a cash prize of ₦1,000,000 in recognition of her honesty. “Her integrity has set a shining example for all Nigerians, demonstrating that good values transcend borders and circumstances,” the Governor said. He urged citizens to emulate her conduct, stressing that acts of honesty and responsibility elevate the nation’s moral standing internationally.
The celebration extended beyond government recognition. Another 2025 pilgrim, Alhaji Haruna Yusuf Husaini, personally gifted Hajiya Zainab a ram valued at ₦100,000 as a token of appreciation for her noble act. The gesture, alongside the Governor’s award, has inspired widespread admiration and discussion among Nigerians on social media, with many praising her courage and uprightness. One user tweeted, “Hajiya Zainab has shown the world that integrity is alive in Nigeria. May her act inspire us all to do what is right, even when no one is watching.”
Experts on civic ethics and leadership have highlighted the broader significance of such acts. Dr. Chinyere Okeke, a sociologist specializing in community ethics, noted, “Honesty in everyday life, especially in high-stakes situations like international pilgrimages, reinforces societal trust and cohesion. Hajiya Zainab’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that ethical behaviour is not only a personal virtue but a national asset.”
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Daiyabu Daudu, also praised Hajiya Zainab, emphasizing that her conduct has brought honour not just to Plateau State but to Nigeria as a whole. “We are very proud of her. She found $5,000 and contacted us immediately. Her integrity exemplifies the highest moral standards and sets a benchmark for other pilgrims and citizens alike,” he said.
Public reaction to the recognition has been overwhelmingly positive, with citizens expressing pride in Hajiya Zainab’s actions. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages celebrating her honesty, with many urging Nigerians, particularly the youth, to emulate her example. One Lagos-based teacher wrote, “We need more stories like this. It reminds us that personal integrity can shine brightly, even in a world often overshadowed by dishonesty and corruption.”
Hajiya Zainab Idris, in her response, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Mutfwang, the Pilgrims Welfare Board, and fellow pilgrims for their support and recognition. “I am humbled and grateful. My prayer is for continued peace and prosperity in Plateau State and across Nigeria,” she said, reflecting a deep sense of humility despite the national attention her actions have received.
Observers note that such recognition serves multiple purposes: it rewards ethical conduct, promotes positive values, and encourages citizens to act responsibly in everyday situations. Dr. Yusuf Abdullahi, an ethics scholar at Ahmadu Bello University, explained, “Publicly celebrating acts of integrity reinforces societal norms. It signals that honesty is valued and rewarded, which can have long-term benefits for community trust, governance, and social cohesion.”
The ceremony also highlighted the role of institutional support in upholding ethical standards. The Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’s swift action in verifying and facilitating the return of the lost funds underscores the importance of transparent processes in fostering trust and accountability. By combining moral courage with institutional support, Hajiya Zainab’s case offers a blueprint for promoting integrity in other sectors of Nigerian society.
As stories of fraud and dishonesty continue to dominate headlines, Hajiya Zainab Idris’s example offers a refreshing narrative of hope and civic responsibility. It reminds Nigerians that ethical actions—no matter how small or challenging—can make a profound impact and inspire collective pride.
In recognizing her, Governor Mutfwang and fellow pilgrims have celebrated not only an individual act of honesty but a universal principle: integrity transcends circumstance, nationality, and faith. Hajiya Zainab’s courage and moral clarity stand as a testament to the enduring power of good character in shaping society and uplifting the nation.
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