By Raphael Okhiria
Every January 21, a great crowd of people of different shapes and sizes, big or small, rich or poor, usually gather at house no. 20, Oza street, Off Sokponba Road, Ugboka quarter, Benin City, to join their precious friend and leader, Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie, to celebrate his birthday.
But in 2026, the birthday celebration took a sweeter and bigger dimension as the party was shifted to the prestigious Horatio Event Centre, Benin City, and the date of celebration was changed to Sunday, January 25, courtesy of Etose’s children who put the lavished birthday party together in their father’s honour.
Indeed, Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie deserves to be celebrated, not just because of the years he has lived, but for the values he has upheld and the example he continues to set for others to follow.
At 85, Etose Dickson Imasogie, stands very tall and strong as one of the last men standing with a living repository of history, courage, and service. His life reminds everyone that longevity finds its true meaning in impact, and that leadership, at its best, leaves room for dissent, laughter, dignity, and humanity.
As a disciplined politician of high value, Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie, through the years, has evolved, adapted, and reinvented himself without losing the principles that define him as a disciplinarian, trustworthy and dependable. He is ever present, steadfast, and committed to anything that is worth doing.
His “Parlour” which is made up of loyal and close followers, has been described by quality people as the finest reflection of Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie’s spirit. It accommodates all shades of political thinkers, opinions expressed freely in an atmosphere of openness and respect. Always on the table are assorted African ‘root’ drinks, fresh high quality palm wine and other licit drinks that are free for everyone. In that parlour, laughter is mixed with raised voices. Like a political parliament, debates are fierce, convictions passionately expressed and defended, yet no one ever leaves the Parlour angry. Undoubtedly, it is a place of warmth, candour, and uncommon fellowship. He is greatly generous, a pillar of strength and support for an uncountable people.
Despite his greatness, he is unassuming, responsible and full of humility. Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie, is the biological father of several illustrious children doing very well in their different chosen careers, as well as thousands of adopted children. He is a patron of many great clubs and associations, and has received several local, national and international awards. He is a diehard chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); a political party which he helped founded in 1998, and he has remained loyal to the party ever since.
During the 85th birthday party of Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie, at the prestigious Horatio Event Centre, located inside the General Reserved Area (GRA), Benin City, the thickness, influence and importance of the Octogenarian was unwrapped when the greatest of the greatest personalities in the state and beyond visibly registered their presence at the birthday ceremony.
The well decorated hall was filled with who is who in the society, from politicians to business men, from government functionaries to top captains of industry. They were all in attendance to honour Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie.
Some of the top dignitaries included the Esama of Benin Kingdom, His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and his wife, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Bishop Eddy Okundaye, founder of Jesus Breed Ministries, Osarodion Ogie Esq, immediate past secretary to Edo state government, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Edo state chairman of PDP, Hon. Martin Osakue, Proprietor of Paragon Group of School, amongst other galaxies of men and women.
At the birthday ceremony, there were assorted foods and drinks in large quantities for the hundreds of guests, as well as takeaway gifts.
May God continue to bless and protect Etose (Dr.) Dickson Imasogie.