A Story of Integrity in the Face of Adversity
Faiza Abdulkadir’s story is a powerful reminder of the values that transcend economic hardship and social challenges. Her decision to return N4.8 million mistakenly credited to her bank account, despite her own dire financial situation, has captured the hearts of many. It highlights the importance of honesty and the strength of character that can emerge even in the most difficult circumstances.
The Background of Faiza Abdulkadir
Faiza works at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and lives on a modest monthly salary of N30,000. This amount is barely enough to cover essentials such as food, school fees, healthcare, and other necessities for her aged mother and five children. Despite these challenges, she maintains a strong sense of integrity and responsibility.
Her home, located in Gwange ward, is a makeshift structure made from zinc, situated in a flooded environment. After being displaced by the September 10, 2024 flood disaster that ravaged Maiduguri, she found shelter with the help of a renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Sheriff Saleh Alhussani. She and her family do not pay rent, and her children have access to education.
Struggles and Resilience
Faiza’s life has been marked by significant hardships. Her husband left for Lagos ten years ago to pursue a business and has not returned since. For a decade, she has raised their five children alone, facing immense challenges. Although he occasionally sends money, the burden remains heavy. She often expresses gratitude for the blessings in her life, emphasizing that “health is wealth.”
The N4.8 Million Incident
The incident involving the N4.8 million came unexpectedly. A man from Kebbi State called her, claiming that he had mistakenly sent the money to her account. Faiza, who had nothing to feed her family with, was initially shocked. She declined his request to transfer the money through a POS operator, choosing instead to consult her bank the next day.
Despite the man’s persistent pressure, she remained firm in her decision. She explained that as a Muslim, she understood the implications of taking what did not belong to her. She emphasized that her actions were driven by her faith and the fear of God rather than any external pressure.
The Process of Returning the Money
Faiza went to the bank as early as possible to make the transfer. However, the man continued to call, insisting that he had not received the money. She connected him with customer care, who verified his identity before initiating the transfer. The process took three days, during which she faced considerable stress and even struggled to afford meals.
The man later claimed there was a N10,000 balance remaining in her account, but Faiza clarified that the entire amount had been transferred, except for the bank charges. She warned him not to contact her again and emphasized that she had no intention of keeping the money.
Recognition and Support
Faiza’s story gained widespread attention, leading to recognition and support from various individuals and organizations. The First Lady of Borno State, Dr Falmata Babagana Zulum, presented her with a cash gift of N1 million to support her family. She praised Faiza as a role model for all men and women in Borno State.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zuwaira Gambo, also announced additional support in the form of vocational equipment and food items. She highlighted the rarity of such an act of integrity, especially given Faiza’s financial challenges.
Another anonymous donor, who read about her story in the Daily Trust Newspaper, donated N2.5 million through the Da’awah Wal Irshaad Women Organisation. The organization’s president, Aisha Muhammad Aisami, expressed admiration for Faiza’s honesty and encouraged others to emulate her example.
Gratitude and Future Plans
Faiza expressed deep gratitude for the support she received from people across the country. She described the experience as surreal, overwhelmed by the number of donations she received. She shared her dream of owning a house and thanked everyone who helped amplify her story.
“I want to thank you people for amplifying my story and the donors for changing my life,” she said. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, reminding them of the importance of honesty and the power of faith in overcoming adversity.
