The story of Emmanuel Tolue is nothing short of the kinds of things you see in movies. Emmanuel became a national hero in Liberia after he returned $50,000 belonging to popular businesswoman, Madam Musu Yancy.
The primary school dropout found the money wrapped in a plastic bag on the road while riding his bike. He opened the bag and saw $50,000.00 cash as well as 100,000.00 Liberian dollars. He gave the money to his aunt for safekeeping until the owner was located. When the owner, Madam Yancy, went on public radio and pleaded to anyone who found the money to report it, Emmanuel did not hesitate to return it.
Madam Yancy was travelling to Guinea to buy goods when she lost the money. She was so excited when Emmanuel returned it that she was said to have rewarded him with $1500 for his honesty. But that was just the beginning of the good fortune that would befall the teenager.
Nimba teenage motorbike rider
Emmanuel Tolue is a 19-year-old teenager from Nimba County in Liberia. Like many Liberian children from a poor rural background, he dropped out of school at the age of nine shortly after his father died in a drowning accident. He had to go and live with his aunt. A couple of years later, he became a motorbike rider to earn a living for his family.
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Teenager who returned $50,000 to owner
When Emmanuel returned $50,000 to Madam Yancy, little did he know what was awaiting him. At first, people mocked him for his honesty. They said he would die in poverty. Their view was, perhaps, based on the fact that Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world. An average Liberian lives on less than $1.25 a day. Thus, finding such a huge amount of money would have been the ticket to escape poverty.
But Emmanuel Tolue was resolute in his decision. He insisted that his principles were guided by his late parents. They had taught him that no matter how poor he was, he shouldn’t take what doesn’t belong to him.
Hence, his honesty began to pay off. On October 18, 2021, President George Weah invited Emmanuel to the Executive Mansion to reward him for his actions. The President gave him $10, 000, two new motorbikes, a $500 monthly allowance, and a scholarship up to Master’s degree level.
Furthermore, President Weah said Emmanuel will be recognized and honored with one of Liberia’s highest Orders of Distinction for honesty at the next national investiture event. Quoting Proverbs 22:1 which said that a good name is better than riches, the President further explained the financial conditions under which Emmanuel lived.
He said Emmanuel’s honest behavior was even more amazing when seen against the backdrop of his personal circumstances. Emmanuel had no money to continue his education after Grade 7. He had to occasionally borrow a motorbike from one of his friends anytime the friend was off-duty in order to earn a few dollars to sustain himself.
Furthermore, a college in the US also offered Emmanuel a full scholarship once he had completed his secondary education.
Back to school
Emmanuel Tolue has been enrolled at Ricks, a boarding school founded 135 years ago for the elite of Liberian society descended from the freed slaves who founded the country. The school two-storey building is located on a beautiful, lush campus 6km (3.5 miles) from the Atlantic coast.
He joined Grade Six at the age of 18, making him the oldest in the class. His main class teacher Tamba Bangbeor told the BBC that at first, Emmanuel felt a bit inferior and could not voice himself in class. But now, the ex motorbike rider is enjoying his stay at Ricks because of the academic and moral discipline.
Emmanuel has to spend six years to complete his secondary education. He will be 25 years old when he graduates. But the Nimba teenager doesn’t mind the huge age gap between him and his classmates. He also enjoys dormitory life because it was a way of learning to live on his own someday.
About his future, Emmanuel says he wants to study accounting at university to prepare himself to help guide the use of the country’s money.
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Honesty the best policy
Speaking on how people mocked him for returning the $50,000 to Madam Yancy, Emmanuel admitted that he could have used the money to help his financial circumstances. But it was never going to get him the opportunity he has now. He thanked his late parents for teaching him to be honest.
Emmanuel’s advice to young people is to be honest. They should not take what does not belong to them.
Lesson to Nigerians
Emmanuel Tolue’s story is indeed a reflection that good deeds do not go unnoticed. It should be a lesson to Nigeria and Nigerians. In a country where corruption and money laundering are seen as a normal lifestyle, Emmanuel’s deed in Liberia indicates that there are still honest people who will not compromise their values for material things.
Honesty and integrity are internal virtues that every Nigerian should imbibe. They cannot be bought and they cannot be learned in school no matter how expensive.
Emmanuel Tolue’s character is an uncommon one and should be emulated. Often, Nigerians point accusing fingers at the government for bad governance, misappropriation of funds, etc. But the government is an intangible entity. Government is made up of people. These people are not strangers. They are our parents, brothers and sisters, relatives as well as our friends. While pointing a finger at the government, four fingers are pointing right back at us.
Building the country takes a collective effort. But it starts from the individual which is you and I. Emmanuel’s story should inspire us to not compromise our integrity for money or any other vanity. We should shun corruption and embrace accountability.
Yes, everyone is trying to survive the harsh economy and insecurity. But it’s not too late to make things right. As the 2023 general elections approach, let us throw away our selfishness and elect leaders who will take Nigeria to the promised land.
