Tanimu Yanki is a 55-year-old repair and maintenance engineer of diesel engines and earth-moving machines, and a father of four children. He started working at the local government office in Yola, Adamawa State, in 1992 and subsequently moved to Abuja in 2003 to establish his business. As a young man, he wanted to be a tailor; however, his elder brother, who was his guardian, took him to the workshop so he could learn to repair machines. Today, he says, "I have no regrets because this work gives me more joy than any other."
Yanki said he wishes to retire and rest at age 60, but because none of his children are graduates yet, he will keep working until he is 65. By then, the first two children should have become graduates and can take up responsibility for their younger siblings.
"At my age, I am able to do heavy-duty repairs because of my zeal and mindset. I started working hard as a young man going to the farm with my father in Taraba State, where I was born."
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
I am still working today because I have to take care of my family, no one will take care of my children, so I will keep working. I believe by the time I turn 65 years the first 2 will be graduates and so they can take care of the others.
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
