By Ado Oyeyemi
A private security operative in Lagos, Adebanjo Samuel, has been commended for his honesty after returning $9,100 mistakenly left behind by a customer at a banking facility in the Marina area of the state.
Samuel, who was on duty at a branch of First City Monument Bank on May 25, reportedly discovered the misplaced cash and ensured it was returned to its rightful owner.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Proton Security Service Limited, the company that employs the security operative.
According to the firm, Samuel’s action exemplifies the values of professionalism, discipline and integrity expected of personnel deployed to client locations.
The company described the gesture as a remarkable display of honesty, noting that it had attracted admiration within and outside the organisation.
In recognition of his conduct, Proton Security announced plans to organise a special reception in his honour at its corporate headquarters.
The event, the company said, will bring together family members, colleagues, industry stakeholders and media representatives to celebrate the security guard’s exemplary character and reward him for his integrity.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of Proton Security Service Limited, Odebunmi Adekunmi, said Samuel’s action reflected the ethical standards upon which the organisation was built.
He noted that professionalism goes beyond routine duties and includes making the right decisions even when there is no supervision.
“Adebanjo’s conduct has brought pride to his family, the company and the private security profession.
His action demonstrates that integrity remains one of the most valuable qualities an individual can possess,” Adekunmi said.
Reacting to the recognition, Samuel said his decision was guided by personal values rather than the amount involved.
According to him, honesty should never be compromised regardless of the circumstances.
“It was not about the money but about doing the right thing.
I was raised to be truthful, and I believe integrity should remain constant no matter the situation,” he said.
The security operative also expressed appreciation to his employer for instilling ethical values in its workforce, adding that the recognition would encourage him to remain committed to upright conduct.
Also speaking, the Director of Business Development and Strategy at Proton Security Service Limited, Olabisi Familusi, described the incident as a positive example capable of inspiring confidence in Nigeria’s image and reinforcing the importance of integrity among young people.
She said Samuel’s action underscored the trust and professionalism that define the company’s operations and highlighted the enduring value of good character.
Familusi added that the gesture serves as a reminder that while circumstances may challenge personal values, integrity ultimately remains the foundation of a lasting legacy.
