“Though, My Parents Were Poor, I Was Raised By A Rich Family” …Security Expert Niyi Adeagbo

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Niyi Adeagbo, a private security expert, shares his success secrets with AKIN ALADE in this interview. Excerpt…

 

How do you feel celebrating forty?

I must say it is a great but mixed feeling. Mostly I am grateful. I know enough about life to understand that it is God the keeps one and I am grateful to have seen this day. I am also a little sad that my father is not alive today to see what I have become. But overall, I am grateful, happy fulfilled and excited about my next phase of life

Growing big from the business world into politics, how can you describe your switch? 

I believe that man proposes but God disposes. If a man will yield himself to God, he will be led by God. What I had, what I have, where I am and where I am going is all up to him. When I started business, his blessings and a lot of hard work brought the little success I have known. When the time was right, fuelled by my passion for change and my people, he opened avenues for service and that was how I ventured into politics. It has been God all the way.

What are the highlights of your growing up years?

I lost my dad at the age of about 12years old, with a modest upbringing. At 13 years old I was adopted to a new family, upper class family as it were. Imagine a little boy from humble background graduating to a new life of the best of whatever you can have. That’s my turning point, that’s the drive to where I am today. I was brought up with a silver spoon but modest. Chief Ayo and Folasade Ogunlade raised me to be who I am today.

How was growing like with your disciplinarian parents? 

In my very early years, when my father was still alive, I must confess it was very tough. We were of little means and my disciplinarian father wanted a better life for us and he believed education was the way out of poverty. So he did not spare the rod for us at all. I still have marks on my body put there by my father. There was no room for nonsense and excess play. It was study time, all of the time. And God help you if you don’t come out with top grades. Those were some years.

How was growing up like in Ibadan ? 

Exciting times those years. After my father died, I was adopted by Chiefs Ayo & Sade Ogunlade and they raised me. It was a bit of a culture shock for me and it took some transition. Here I was, from a low income family thrust into the very comfortable lifestyle of my new parents, it took a while to adjust. It was a new world where I had to form my own identity make new friends etc. My new parents took good care of me and made me the man I am today. I owe a lot to them. Overall it was very exciting and fun. I met all my close friends and made a new life for myself. I cannot complain.

How did you start up a home and security business?

As at that time, early 2006, technological advancements had improved vehicle security immensely. And because of the vehicle theft problem we had in the country, my partners and I spotted a great opportunity that was ready for the taking and we took it.

How did you deal with the many challenges in your business? 

The challenges of a business man are enormous, stage after stage, one after the other. God has been good, in fact my newest brand Securetech Global System has just begun the process of acquiring and taking over of Ardenil Investment Co Ltd with was started almost ten years ago.

Why did you delve into politics? 

A passion to serve and a burning desire to make a difference using a public podium. Politics either be for self service or for serving the people. For me it is all about the people.

No doubt your campaign organisation has empowered numerous people in yours state, what’s your political ideology?

Like I said It’s all about the people, my people. Politics in its truest form is about serving the people. In my own personal capacity, as God has blessed me, I have tried my best to give back to the society I live in. It is my personal philosophy that God made us to be conduits or channels and not cess pools. He gives us so that we can bless others. In this area I have done my best but I am just one person with limited resources. Governance and public service is essentially about improving the lives of the citizenry and that is core motivation at NACO(Niyi Adeagbo Campiagn Organisation).

You are practically a busy person, How do you unwind? 

Am a very social person,I go out,i do “Thank God is Friday” and I go to parties also‎ but I don’t show up uninvited…..

Are you a sports fan?

I am an avid football lover

Who is your fashion role model? 

With all sense of humility, I believe I am naturally fashionable. I draw my creative inspiration from my environment and I make it my own. As a matter of fact people copy my style. I thank God for the gift.

What’s your favourite fashion item? 

I like to think I am a person of style. Fashion is seasonal but style is perennial. Trends come and go but style is what it is… style.  Having said that, If I were to pick a favourite fashion item, I would say shoes.

How would you assess yourself at 40? 

I have just begun. I don’t count myself to have achieved anything yet. I’ve got bigger dreams and ambitions; bigger than ever before. So I won’t stand here and pat myself on the back if that is what you are asking for, NO! Rather, I keep my eyes set on what lies ahead. So to answer your question, I have done well, but not well enough; I have achieved but I am not at my destination yet. May God continue to bless my path.

What are your big dreams in politics? 

I have got big, big dreams. I feel I am endowed and qualified and I need to utilise these skills, fuelled by intense passion for my people, in public service. But it’s all in God’s hands. Step by step

What position are you likely to contest for?

If God allows, maybe someday I will even vie for the most exalted seat in this country. I will start somewhere but I intend to go all the way!