Think Creative Issue 8

Creative Life

a mission-driven community

walk this way A day in the life of a Creative team member

Olufemi “Femi” Adetola Project Security Manager, West Africa Trade and Investment Hub

ness as well as safety concerns for those in my care. I do everything possible to ensure their compliance in our safety procedures. Day to day, my job is always evolving. I oversee all travel movements and arrangements for project visitors. I’m also refining our safety procedures and protocols with the security team at HQ to make sure we are always ready and up to speed for any event. Since the pandemic put the country into lockdown, I’ve continuously educated myself and our staff on prevention mea- sures against COVID-19, as well as adapted our procedures so that any guards feeling unwell can seek medical attention without

Growing up with five brothers, I learned how to manage conflict at an early age. As far back as I can remember, resolving sibling quarrels in our house was my responsibility. I knew a job in security would be in my future. So after receiving my high school diploma, I faced the choice of which security agency to serve. Because I wasn’t interested in the police force or the mili- tary, I enlisted in Nigeria’s Department of State Services. My first post — shortly after training —was the Presidential Villa, which is the Nigerian White House. I served three presidents during those 10 years. After I left the secret

Femi instructs a group of security guards in training.

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I want to do everything possible to stand up for the weak, the disabled and on behalf of women.”

Femi and Creative’s Founder and Board Chair Charito Kruvant talk during her visit to Abuja.

leaving a security vacuum. Now, I have been working in security for 20 years, and I still love it. I would say my continued motivation and commitment to my career comes frommy upbringing, and, of course, my faith. Having three daughters has only deepened my desire to protect women and work for their equali- ty, something the Trade Hub prioritizes. I want to do everything possible to stand up for the weak, the disabled and on behalf of women. My dream is to one day start an academy where I will be able to train people on basic security and self-defense, particularly women and those vulnerable because of disabilities or other factors. n

service, I mademy way to private security consulting and then to the development world. Working with the great, top-notch securitymanagers at Creative has been an invaluable experience for me. Amemorable moment frommy career with Creative was when Co-Founder and Board Chair Charito Kruvant came to Ni- geria in February 2017. I was drafted from NEI Plus in Bauchi to manage every facet of her security while in Nigeria. That was a great opportunity for me, and that was when I met our “golden mother.” Today, as the head of security for the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, I’ve grown as a leader, one that manages busi-

Femi’s bright attitude is shared by his coworkers.

Photo submitted by Femi Adetola (top right), all others by Erick Gibson

30 | Think Creative | Fall 2020