Hope is not lost: A driver returns a laptop to the owner

By Fr. Anthony Shawuya & Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh

In a country where hardship has driven many to desperation, the story of Chike Obuofia Tendency offers a beacon of hope, showcasing many individuals out there who rise above adversity to do good, regardless of the personal cost.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Mr. Chike, a driver traveling from Okigwe in Imo State to Port Harcourt in Rivers State, decided to pick up passengers to supplement his income for his family’s benefit. Without his knowledge, one of his passengers was a Reverend Father, who had been traveling from Kaduna to Port Harcourt but had been involved in an accident near Awgu, damaging his car and forcing him to continue his journey by public transport.

Mr. Chike was unaware that he had a priest as one of his passengers. Upon reaching Port Harcourt, the priest asked to be dropped off at Oil Mill around 8 pm. However, Mr. Chike politely declined, citing safety concerns about stopping in that area at such a late hour. The priest then humbly requested that Mr. Chike take him to the Catholic Institute of West Africa instead.

Mr. Chike still didn’t know his passenger’s identity as a priest. Although he hesitated slightly, he ultimately obliged and dropped the priest off at the CIWA compound. As the priest exited the vehicle, he gathered his belongings but inadvertently left his laptop on the front passenger seat.

After departing CIWA, Mr. Chike drove home with another passenger, unaware that the priest’s laptop remained in the car. With no way to contact the priest, Mr. Chike discovered the laptop upon arriving home and wondered who it belonged to. Recalling the passenger’s actions while on the journey, he realised the laptop likely belonged to him. Despite the distance between his home and CIWA, Mr. Chike’s integrity prevailed, and he decided to return the laptop to its rightful owner. He drove back to CIWA, where other priests in the compound helped him locate the owner – one of the writers of this story.

This act of honesty is a testament to the goodness of Mr. Chike’s heart, proving that All hope is not lost indeed for our nation, and for humanity.