Cathy introduced Bernard.
Introduction and Early Life
Bernard introduced himself as Oluwadaisifunmi Akinyemi, which means "God preserved him for me." Born on December 2, 1977, in Ondo State, Nigeria, he hails from the southwestern part of the country. Ondo State, his place of origin, is rich in culture and history. Bernard lived there for 30 years before moving to Lagos State, a densely populated area with over 27 million residents.
Education and Career
Bernard holds a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering. His career began at Iron Products Industries Limited, a steel fabrication company specializing in oil and gas structures. Over time, he shifted his focus to equipment maintenance. During his studies, Bernard completed a one-year industrial attachment with Nigeria Telecommunication Company in Owo Ondo State, gaining experience in telecommunications.
Life in Ondo and Lagos
Raised in Akoko South East, Ondo State, Bernard grew up in a farming community where he learned to cultivate crops like cocoa, plantains, tubers and bananas. He is also an experienced hunter, a common practice in his region. After spending 15 years in Lagos, he became familiar with the challenges and opportunities of urban life, including the rapid urbanization of Lagos and its reliance on nearby Ondo for expansion.
Family and Personal Life
Bernard is married to Francisca, and they have four children: Precious, Goodnews, Divine and Flourish who was born in Canada. He values family deeply and embraces both his Nigerian heritage and his new experiences in Canada. His traditional marriage ceremony reflects his love for cultural attire and customs.
Current Work and Aspirations
Currently, Bernard works as an Equipment Service Representative at Amcor, an international company specializing in flexible packaging for the food industry. His role involves working with various industries and traveling for assignments, including a trip to Quebec. He continues to adapt and thrive in his profession while maintaining connections to his roots.
Insights on Nigeria
Bernard highlighted the wealth of natural resources in Nigeria, including oil, gas, and bitumen, which remain untapped due to corruption and governance issues. He also shared cultural landmarks like Idanre Hill in Ondo State, known for its mystical footprint that adjusts to the size of any foot.
Building Community
Since moving to Manitoba, Canada, Bernard has actively engaged with his community. He values meeting people, learning about their backgrounds, and fostering connections. His first experience in Manitoba included visiting Carman and attending Oasis Community Church, where he formed meaningful friendships and volunteered in facilities management and production department.
Exploring Manitoba and Building Connections
Bernard shared his passion for exploring Manitoba, recounting his visits to various places like Winkler, Steinbach, Selkirk, Brandon, and the serene Lake Manitoba. He enjoys connecting with people wherever he goes, recalling a memorable experience in Matlock where he met a new friend who generously gave him 30 pounds of fish, including walleye, which he tried for the first time and found delicious.
Professional Growth and Resilience
Bernard discussed his early career at Iron Product Industry, a Lebanese-owned steel company, where he managed 75 generators single-handedly, working long hours without overtime pay. Despite challenges, this experience taught him discipline and dedication, traits that later helped him secure his current job after enduring 65 interviews. His persistence is inspired by figures like Thomas Edison, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in achieving success.
Certifications and Career Achievements
Bernard has earned several certifications, including PMP and membership in professional bodies like Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (CTTAM). His engineering expertise extends to transformer installation and other technical projects, both in Nigeria and Canada. He also shared his pride in contributing to societal development, citing his involvement in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), a mandatory one-year service in Nigeria designed to foster national unity.
Community Development Projects
During his NYSC service in Kwara State, Bernard led a community development project, installing a protective transformer feeder pillar in a camp. He successfully sourced funding and completed the project, earning recognition as the best youth corps member of his cohort. He emphasized the importance of overcoming obstacles and creating impactful change through determination and resourcefulness.
Adventures in Nigeria
Bernard reminisced about adventures in Nigeria, including visits to the Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls and Ikogosi Warm Springs. Erin-Ijesha features seven cascading waterfalls and is especially stunning during the dry season. Ikogosi is known for its unique meeting point of warm and cold springs, a natural marvel that has become a popular tourist destination.
Hobbies and Interests
Bernard enjoys reading, traveling, driving, and playing football—a favorite pastime in Africa and Europe that fosters camaraderie. Although Canada’s weather contrasts with Nigeria’s tropical climate, Bernard appreciates the change, adapting to the challenges of winter driving while cherishing the memories of sleeping outdoors during Nigeria’s warm nights.