Ekpenyong, a father of four from Okobo Local Government Area, reportedly discovered the money on December 17, 2025, after transporting passengers from Okobo to Uyo and making subsequent trips to Itam Market.

According to a report by Leadership, the driver found a parcel containing several bundles of cash on the floor of his bus while checking the vehicle after dropping off passengers.

Realising that someone might have forgotten the package, he reportedly returned to the terminal where he had dropped off his passengers, hoping that the owner would return to claim it.

However, after waiting for several hours without success, Ekpenyong began making further efforts to identify the rightful owner.

He reportedly informed fellow commercial drivers about the discovery but deliberately withheld information about the contents of the parcel to prevent anyone from falsely claiming the money.

Despite his financial difficulties, the driver maintained that he had no intention of spending the money, insisting that taking what belonged to another person would go against his personal values.

His decision was particularly remarkable given the difficult conditions under which he and his family were living.

The report disclosed that Ekpenyong struggled to provide for his wife, four children and aged father while operating a vehicle that required repairs. At one point, the poor condition of the bus reportedly prevented him from working for approximately three weeks because he could not afford the necessary repairs.

He also lived in a thatched house that reportedly leaked whenever it rained.

Despite these challenges, he kept the money untouched and continued searching for its owner.

Ekpenyong also recalled that returning lost belongings was not new to him, explaining that he had previously returned mobile phones and handbags forgotten by passengers during his time as a commercial tricycle operator.

The story eventually reached Governor Umo Eno through his Special Assistant on Media, Emmanuel Nicholas, who reportedly became impressed by the driver's honesty and determination to protect another person's property.

Nicholas said Ekpenyong maintained that he would rather engage in menial jobs and earn an honest living than use money that did not belong to him.

According to the report, the matter was subsequently brought to the attention of the Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Humanitarian Affairs, Nsikan Umoekpo, who visited the driver to verify that the ₦400,000 remained intact.

Following the verification, Ekpenyong was reportedly informed that Governor Eno had approved a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow for him, alongside a cash reward.

The proposed house was said to include solar electricity and portable water facilities, offering the driver and his family an opportunity to move away from their difficult living conditions.

The announcement reportedly overwhelmed Ekpenyong, who broke down in tears of joy and offered prayers for the governor.

His aged father, Emmanuel Ekpenyong Ekong, also reportedly expressed gratitude, recalling that honesty and integrity had always been important family values.

The elder Ekong said he had equally demonstrated honesty during his years as a fisherman by returning excess payments received from buyers.

The story has drawn attention to the importance of integrity and personal responsibility, particularly in a society where many families continue to struggle with rising living costs and economic difficulties.

Ekpenyong's reported decision to preserve the money despite his family's financial challenges offers a powerful reminder that honesty is not determined by economic circumstances.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia