Two Engineers, friends sharing the same birthday
Yes, it may surprise many, but it is true that I share the same birthday with my friend, Engr. Chuks Nzei. We were born on the same day, 19th of May, 1950. He is from Delta State while I am from Edo State. However, we belong to the same Catholic Men Organization (CMO), St Cyprian’s Catholic Church, Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos.
Who is Engr. Dominic Imogirie?
Engr. Imogirie is a simple man; a retired public servant who celebrated his 70th birthday on the 19th of this month of May, 2020. Growing up I was born in my village, Idumoza Irrua in the present day Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. I was not born with a golden spoon in the mouth and so growing up in the village was not easy but by God’s grace, I pulled through. I also had a very good upbringing which really helped me in my life. I attended Primary School in my village and Technical School in Uromi, Edo State. I always wanted to be an Electrical Engineer, so after my technical school education, I proceeded to Auchi Polytechnic for OND in Electrical Engineering, thereafter I went to Kaduna Polytechnic for HND, also in Electrical Engineering. After my NYSC in Sokoto, I joined National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) where I worked and retired. While in service, I did my post graduate course in Electrical Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. I also went for numerous short courses in Nigeria and Abroad all in Electrical Engineering. I am a registered Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and a COREN (Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria) registered Engineer.
Reasons to thank God
I am very grateful to God for keeping me alive till this moment. I was privileged to work in government establishment till I was aged 60 years and had to retire. I am happily married with children and grandchildren.
What else do I need?
I am a very fulfilled man. Major Life’s influence My role model growing up was late Mr. Paul Ekhaisomi. He was very passionate about education and this influenced me positively.
Living Under COVID-19 lockdown
For more than a year before the lockdown, I could not attend masses due to ill-health, but our Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Augustine Nnaemeka and his assistant, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Anyanwu were always bringing communion to me. I also follow masses on Television.
No to Unwholesome practices
Life in this country may be tough but it is not a license for anyone or youths to engage in heinous crimes such as kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery e.t.c just to make fast money. We should be patient. Most importantly, the youths should engage themselves meaningfully. Where there is nepotism, tribalism, marginalization and injustices there is bound to be agitations. If our leaders can treat all with fairness and provide jobs for the teeming youths in this country, agitations will be reduced to the barest minimum.
Marriage life
The woman in my life is my dear wife Mrs. J O Imogirie. I met her through one of my cousins in September, 1976 and we wedded in the Catholic Church on the 30th of December, 1978. We are together till this day and are blessed with children and grandchildren.
Relaxation
I am a retiree but I relax by reading newspapers and watching interesting programmes on television such as current affairs, Christian especially Catholic programmes and sometimes films. My favourite food is yam and vegetable. I don’t drink except water. I wear simple English and Native attires. I used to love table tennis and watching football, but today, I don’t do any of these for health reasons. I still love traveling and reading newspapers.
Message for Nigerians and birthday mate
The situation in Nigeria may be rough for now but let’s keep hope alive and continue to look up to God. I would like to use this opportunity to congratulate my dear friend and brother, Engr. Chuks Nzei who is also celebrating his 70th birthday on same day (May 19, 2020.) He has been a very wonderful friend and brother. I pray God to bless him with many more years in good health of mind and body
