Daud Olatunji
In a world often clouded by cynicism and self-interest, the remarkable story of Yusuf Suleiman emerges as a testament to the enduring values of honesty, responsibility, and love for family.
At the age of 32, Yusuf, a diligent businessman hailing from the Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, found himself facing a moral dilemma—one that would not only define his character but also touch the hearts of those who would hear his story.
Yusuf’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources from the Cambridge International College, Britain, Sudan Campus, was driven by his quest for a brighter future.
Yusuf is the eldest child of the late civil servant, Suleiman Datti (Magatakardan Sumaila), who dedicated his life to serving the Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State as a clerical officer on Grade Level 06. Tragically, Suleiman Datti passed away last year, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and principles that would profoundly influence his son’s path in life.
The story begins with a noble act of integrity that would change Yusuf’s life forever. It all started when Yusuf discovered that the Kano State Government had mistakenly deposited a substantial sum of N328,215.75 into his late father’s bank account as salary.
A single man with dreams, he faced a defining moment when he discovered that the Kano State Government had mistakenly deposited the sum of N328,215.75 into his late father’s bank account as salary.
The weight of this situation could have easily crushed the resolve of many, but Yusuf Suleiman’s moral compass was unwavering.
He recounted the day of his father’s passing, a day when the world became a little less bright. “My father died on Thursday, November 10, 2022, following a short illness,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “Until his death, my father had only one wife and 11 children.”
Yusuf’s father, as a Grade Level 6 officer, had received a monthly salary ranging from N34,000 to N34,400.
The enormity of the sum deposited in error was not lost on him, but he believed in a higher calling—the fear of God and the judgment hereafter. “I returned the money because of the fear of God. If I did not, Allah would ask hereafter,” Yusuf solemnly explained.
This noble act of returning the funds was not a solitary endeavor. Yusuf’s family and friends encouraged him every step of the way.
And when he made the decision to return the money, his community had mixed reactions. Some labeled him a blockhead, while others recognized him as a man of conscience, kind-hearted and transparent.
Yusuf’s integrity did not go unnoticed. He personally met with the governor and shared his story.
The governor, impressed by this exemplary act, commended Yusuf and directed his Chief of Staff to assist him in the process of returning the funds to the state government’s coffers.
In an age where headlines are often dominated by greed and corruption, Yusuf Suleiman’s story reminds us of the enduring power of honesty, the strength of character, and the depth of compassion that can reside in a single individual. His actions reflect not only a commitment to his faith but also a testament to the enduring values that can inspire us all.
Yusuf Suleiman, a man of integrity, has proven that even in the face of temptation, the path of righteousness can be unwaveringly followed.
The weight of this situation could have easily crushed the resolve of many, but Yusuf Suleiman’s moral compass was unwavering. He recounted the day of his father’s passing, a day when the world became a little less bright. “My father died on Thursday, November 10, 2022, following a short illness,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “Until his death, my father had only one wife and 11 children.”
Yusuf’s father, as a Grade Level 6 officer, had received a monthly salary ranging from N34,000 to N34,400. The enormity of the sum deposited in error was not lost on him, but he believed in a higher calling—the fear of God and the judgment hereafter. “I returned the money because of the fear of God. If I did not, Allah would ask hereafter,” Yusuf solemnly explained.
This noble act of returning the funds was not a solitary endeavor. Yusuf’s family and friends encouraged him every step of the way. And when he made the decision to return the money, his community had mixed reactions. Some labeled him a blockhead, while others recognized him as a man of conscience, kind-hearted and transparent.
Yusuf’s integrity did not go unnoticed. He personally met with the governor and shared his story. The governor, impressed by this exemplary act, commended Yusuf and directed his Chief of Staff to assist him in the process of returning the funds to the state government’s coffers.
In an age where headlines are often dominated by greed and corruption, Yusuf Suleiman’s story reminds us of the enduring power of honesty, the strength of character, and the depth of compassion that can reside in a single individual. His actions reflect not only a commitment to his faith but also a testament to the enduring values that can inspire us all. Yusuf Suleiman, a man of integrity, has proven that even in the face of temptation, the path of righteousness can be unwaveringly followed.
Yusuf’s journey to do the right thing began with a simple message on Twitter to one of the governor’s senior special assistants.
He expressed his desire to meet the governor personally and refund the funds, as he had reservations about entrusting many civil servants with such a delicate matter.
His motivations were deeply rooted in a desire to see his late father rest in peace, knowing that their family name remained untarnished.
Remarkably, the senior special assistant responded positively, and thus began the process that would lead Yusuf to a personal meeting with the governor. In this meeting, the governor commended Yusuf for his exemplary gesture and offered heartfelt prayers for the departed soul of Suleiman Datti.
When asked about the possibility of seeking a favor in return for his virtuous act, Yusuf remained steadfast in his principles.
He reiterated that his decision to return the money was solely guided by the fear of God and the desire to be honest and sincere in all his dealings. His reward, he believed, would come in the hereafter, a reward far more significant than any earthly favour.
Yusuf’s actions are a shining example of the values instilled in him by his late father—principled living, characterized by honesty, transparency, and integrity. However, Yusuf’s responsibilities didn’t end with this act of honesty.
He inherited the immense burden of providing for his family, including 10 siblings, after his father’s passing.
The weight of this responsibility became evident as he navigated the challenges of supporting his family.
With his father gone, Yusuf became the pillar upon which his family leaned. He toiled tirelessly, from morning till evening, using every resource available to provide for his siblings, all of whom were unemployed.
The realization of the void left by his father’s absence weighed heavily on Yusuf’s heart, and he spoke of the profound loss he felt.
As Yusuf recounted his struggles, it became evident that his dedication to his family knew no bounds.
His mother, selling incense sticks, firewood, and pepper, also contributed to the family’s needs. However, Yusuf saw her efforts as just the tip of the iceberg and resolved to intensify his own to complement hers.
In the face of fresh challenges, including the burden of inflation, Yusuf’s resolve remained unshaken.
He increased his efforts, even doubling the frequency of his cattle transportation to generate additional income for his family’s miscellaneous expenses.
When asked about seeking assistance from the governor to alleviate his newfound challenges, Yusuf declined, fearing that it might be misconstrued as a ploy to shift his liabilities. He chose to maintain his dignity and integrity, determined to continue shouldering the responsibility he inherited from his father.
Yusuf Suleiman’s story is not just a tale of integrity; it’s a narrative of unwavering love and commitment to family, a tribute to a father’s teachings, and a shining example of the values we should all aspire to uphold.
His actions remind us that even in the face of adversity and temptation, one person’s unwavering commitment to what is right can inspire a community and touch hearts across the nation. Yusuf Suleiman, a true hero, has shown us the power of integrity, love, and responsibility in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
