Stakeholders in the aviation industry have praised Ibrahim Bala Zakari, a cabin cleaner with Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO), for his honesty after he returned $730 and several credit cards found on a British Airways aircraft.
Zakari made the discovery while cleaning British Airways Flight BA8382, which arrived in Abuja from London. He found a purse under seat 35K containing $730 and several credit cards.
According to a statement by SAHCO, Zakari immediately alerted the British Airways Cabin Services Duty Manager (CSDM), who ensured that the purse and its contents were handed over to the airline’s security team in line with established procedures.
The company said Zakari’s action exemplifies SAHCO’s core values of integrity, professionalism and excellence.
His conduct has since attracted widespread commendation on social media, with many describing his honesty as worthy of emulation.
Reacting to the incident, Olayinka Abioye congratulated SAHCO and commended Zakari for upholding the values of integrity and sincerity.
“Congratulations to SAHCO! Thank you, Bala, for making us proud that SAHCO produces men and women like you, who are not swayed by lucre but controlled by the spirit of God with integrity, sincerity and utmost honesty,” he wrote.
Another commentator, Abdulrasheed Al-Musty, said SAHCO had built a reputation for discipline, integrity and reliability in its operations.
Abdulkair Bakari described Zakari’s action as an outstanding demonstration of integrity, saying it reflected the professionalism expected in the aviation industry and helped strengthen passengers’ confidence. He also urged SAHCO to recognise and reward him.
Efe Chukwudi also praised Zakari, describing him as deserving of an award for his honesty and encouraging him to maintain the first exemplary standard.
The latest incident is not the first of its kind involving SAHCO personnel. In March, a member of the company’s cabin-cleaning team, Miss Nnanna Edet, found a MacBook left behind on a United Nigeria aircraft during routine post-flight cleaning.
She promptly handed the device over to the appropriate security personnel, and through coordinated efforts, it was successfully returned to its rightful owner.
The company said in a statement, “This act of honesty and diligence reflects the strong ethical standards upheld across SAHCO and reinforces commitment to excellence in service delivery.
“It is yet another reminder that beyond operational efficiency, SAHCO personnel continue to embody trust, responsibility, and professionalism in every task they undertake.”
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