By Chris Osa Nehikhare
…an eminent member of the old guard!
Celebrating a Statesman at 85
Pa Etose Dickson Imasogie deserves to be celebrated, not merely for the years he has lived, but for the values he has upheld and the example he continues to set.
An eminent member of the old guard, he has shown that true leadership is not static. Through the years, he has evolved, adapted, and reinvented himself without losing the principles that define him. Ever present, steadfast, and loyal, Pa Imasogie remains a leader worthy of his followership.
Often described as stubborn, he wears that trait as a badge of conviction. Yet, in the same breath, he possesses the rare humility to retreat when an argument is lost—proof of wisdom earned, not assumed. This balance of firmness and openness has sustained his relevance and earned him enduring respect.
His “Parlour” is, perhaps, the finest reflection of his spirit. It accommodates all shades of political thinkers, opinions colliding freely in an atmosphere of openness and respect. Always on the table are assorted ‘roots’—each with alleged powers to cure all manner of ailments. In that parlour, laughter mixes with raised voices, debates are fierce, convictions passionately defended, yet no one ever leaves angry. It is a space of warmth, candour, and uncommon fellowship.
I fondly call him Pa Owere, as I did for almost two decades before the Etose title was bestowed—a name that speaks to familiarity, affection, and shared history.
At 85, he stands as the last man standing of a proud brigade—a living repository of history, courage, and service. His life reminds us that longevity finds its true meaning in impact, and that leadership, at its best, leaves room for dissent, laughter, and humanity.
Happy 85th Birthday, Pa Etose Dickson Imasogie. May your days continue to be filled with good health, deep contentment, and the quiet honour of a life truly well lived.
