Igala people: of sincerity, dedication, hardwork and commitment Onuh Isaac Micheal from Kogi state is another Nigerian deserving of the national honour, having served 30 years as a steward for different Nigerian heads of state and presidents. At present, he is the head of presidential stewards at Aso villa. One would expect someone who is very close to power to have some of its trappings, but the 59-year-old still lives in a rented apartment at Karu in Nasarawa state. According, to Villascope, an in-house magazine of the state house, the native of Kogi state maintains a strict code of not asking for favours because it is against the ethics of his job. “I cannot approach anybody for anything. We are trained not to beg anybody for anything. Do your job and leave everything to God,” he said. Describing Onuh, Villascope wrote: “Quiet but unassuming, Micheal Onuh has seen it all. From the first executive president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari to Dr Goodluck Jonathan, he has been in the inner recesses of power attending to the domestic needs of the first family of the most populous and powerful black nation in the world.” In spite of his rare dedication to duty, the father of four children admits that he faces a challenge in his job, and also has a regret. “The regret I have is that for someone that has been working for his country for over 30 years, it is not good that I don’t have my own accommodation. I live at the outskirts of the city (in Karu, Nasarawa state) in a rented house,” he confessed. “My greatest challenge is coming all the way from a very far distance to come to work every day. Waking up by 3am to be at work and closing in the early hours of the morning only to be back again very early to work is a big challenge for me.” Onuh loves his job, which he says has given him much exposure. He has visited the United States, Libya, Venuzuela and Jerusalem, to name just a few. “I have always derived pleasure in serving others. It also brings one close to the people that matter,” he said. “I am happy to take care of the people that serve the nation. It means a lot to me. I believe it is my contribution to my fatherland by taking care of little things of the presidents.” Onuh, the longest-serving staff member at the presidential villa, was bestowed with the honour of Member of the Order of the Niger.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 07:06:22 +0000
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