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MONROVIA. – Liberia’s President George Weah has honoured an 18-year-old motorcycle taxi rider who found and returned US$50 000 and L$100 000 to a businesswoman who had lost the cash in the north-eastern Nimba region.

President Weah met Emmanuel Tolue at a ceremony in the capital, Monrovia, on Monday and offered him cash and an educational scholarship.

The president gave him US$10 000 and two new motorcycles “for you to improve your circumstances and sustain yourself financially.”

The motorcycle rider has become a national hero in recent days for his action.

He found the money wrapped in a plastic bag and returned it after the owner, Musu Yancy, appealed on public radio for anyone finding the money to return it.

Yancy appreciated the young man’s honesty with cash and goods valued at about US$$1 500.

The president hailed Tolue’s “exceptional sense of morality and good citizenship” as an inspiration for the youth.

The Liberian leader promised to recognise and award the young man with one of Liberia’s highest honours – the order of distinction – for his honesty.

Tolue, who dropped from seventh grade in school to go into motorcycling business, will also benefit from a fully-funded scholarship up to university level.

Weah, has promised to decorate Tolue with one of the country’s highest Orders of Distinction at the government’s next Investiture ceremony.

He said he e was very proud of Tolue for his exceptional sense of morality and good citizenship, expressing hope that the gesture will serve as an inspiration to all Liberians, especially young people.

“You are a prime example of what the Bible teaches us in Proverbs 22:1, that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,” President Weah said.

“This honest behaviour on your part is even more amazing when seen against the backdrop of your personal circumstances. I am made to understand that you are in the seventh grade with no money to continue your education; that you have no means of income except to occasionally borrow a motorbike from one of your friends when he is off-duty in order to earn a few dollars to sustain yourself.”- Mjoyonline.com