Godson Iruka, a 91-year-old Security guard (gateman) at the Government Secondary School Owerri, Imo state, has relished his long stay in the school, describing it as an act of loyalty and humility.
Iruka who hails from Oboro-Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA said, in an exclusive interview with our reporter, that he was employed as the gate man of the school in 1970, and had had over 25 school principals passed through his watch.25
The nonagenarian who is popularly known as ‘old soldier’ said at his 90s, he is still very strong to withstand the pressure from students and ever ready to discipline the stubborn ones in the school.
According to him, it was only his physical look that exposed his real age, other than that, he has not stopped doing those things that the students knew him for, including lifting them up when they challenged him to a fight, takinging early morning jogging and reporting to work regularly and on time.
Hear him, “as I speak to you, I am 91 years old, but I am still strong and sound. It is by the grace of God and being fair and honest.
“I came into this school in 1970, although, the management had regularly swapped me into chef for the school because they have implicit confidence in me.
“I see school as my home and the students as my children. So many of the old boys always came to me for appreciation. There are so many of them who are very rich now and in positions of authority in government. Like whenever they have old boys reunion, they feel so happy seeing me not just alive, but hale and hearty.
Most of them have supported me and my family financially and otherwise.
“And for the school principals and teachers, I can’t thank them enough for the massive love the have shown to me over the years. I will continue serving the school till I die.”
He noted that part of the problems faced by the younger generation is impatience and the quest for money.
These factors, he argued, had sent a good number to their early grave.
“Patience is the key to success. I always advise young people not to be desperate in search of their desires. Many have died as a result of that. But I am very happy that students of this school who passed through my watch, are doing very well both in business and politics. And I pray they go higher in life.”