The inspiring story of Emmanuel Tuloe, a motorbike taxi driver who found and returned $50000, recently made waves in Liberia. In a country where corruption is pervasive, his honesty was held up as an example to emulate. His deeds were rewarded, and his life has drastically changed for the better as a result.
Emmanuel dropped out of school shortly after his father died in a drowning accident. He became a motorcycle taxi driver in Monrovia to help support his family financially. On one fateful day, whilst driving through the streets of Monrovia, the 19-year-old found $50,000 US dollars wrapped in a plastic bag by the side of the road.
This life-changing sum could have simply been taken by Emmanuel. However, he entrusted it to his aunt's care, and when the rightful owner appealed for assistance on national radio, Emmanuel stepped forward. Some mocked him for returning the money, claiming that it was his only chance and that he would die impoverished if he didn't.
Emmanuel admitted that he could have utilized the money to better his financial circumstances, but it would never have given him the chance he now has. President George Weah presented him with $10,000 and named his as Liberia’s “integrity ambassador”. The owner of the money that was found also gave $1,500 in products.
In addition, Ricks Institute, one of Liberia's best schools, offered him a place to resume his education, despite the fact that he is older than his classmates. Emmanuel came to the prestigious school with a poor intellectual foundation and an inferiority complex, but the Ricks Institute enrichment program helped him gain confidence and improve his performance.
He has six years of secondary school left before he graduates, and he will be 25 when he does. He, on the other hand, is unconcerned with the age gap between him and his classmates.
Emmanuel's presence at Ricks is appreciated by the teachers. Not only has his honesty benefited them as a school, but he is also the football team's second-choice goalkeeper.
Emmanuel's classmates are likewise happy to see him; they refer to him as a good friend whom they enjoy sharing and caring for because he is quiet and doesn't say much.
Emmanuel’s act also attracted international attention. Livingstone College, a historically black institution in the US offered him a full scholarship once he is done with his secondary education. He intends to pursue an accounting degree in the future.
Emmanuel thanks God for the blessings, as well as his parents for instilling in him the value of honesty. To all young people, Emmanuel's advice is simple: "It's nice to be honest; don't take what isn't yours."