An inspiring incident at the French Embassy in Abuja has captured the hearts of Nigerians. An eight-year-old boy named Peter respectfully declined a significant cash gift from Taiwo Awoniyi, a Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker.
The event occurred on Monday during Awoniyi’s visit to the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean Francois Hasperue, to discuss sports partnership opportunities and the development of the Unicorn Football Academy in Ilorin.
Uche Nworah, a blogger at the embassy, shared the story on Facebook on Tuesday. While waiting for their appointment, Peter politely greeted Nworah and his colleagues.
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Impressed by Peter’s manners, Nworah called him back to commend him and offered a small cash gift. Peter refused, citing his father’s rule against accepting gifts from strangers.
Nworah later shared the story with Awoniyi, who was leaving the embassy. Moved by Peter’s behavior, Awoniyi offered him five £20 notes. Despite the considerable amount, Peter declined again and quickly left, overwhelmed by the attention.
Nworah expressed his happiness at encountering such a well-mannered child and praised Peter’s parents and teachers for his excellent upbringing. He expressed confidence that Peter was destined for greatness.
The story, posted on Nworah’s Facebook page, received widespread admiration from Nigerians deeply moved by Peter’s actions.
Jemmy Nwanze commented, “That boy’s parents need to be traced and he should be awarded an educational scholarship to tertiary school level.”
Onyia Chijioke added, “Hopefully they go beyond this by knowing his parents.”
Charles Chukwuma wrote, “That boy will go far. During our days, our parents did the same and some still collected the money.”
Juliet Okere commented, “I love to see kids who have this type of respect now. Young people or even those my age don’t have respect again for their elders in Nigeria.”
Azie Sylvia wrote, “This video really touched me. Such an obedient and respectful boy. Even with much persuasion, he still insisted on not accepting the money gift. God bless him and his parents.”
Jude Emecheta saw hope in the story, stating, “Amazing in this country, thank God there is still hope.”
Amaka Christine predicted a bright future for the boy, declaring, “He will surely be great, PETER THE GREAT.”
Comrade Gabriel praised the parenting, noting, “Good parenting and upbringing.”
Ifesinachi Nwangele wished the boy well, “Beautiful experience. Wishing you well, little kid.”
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