ADE ADEFEKO, Vice President, Corporate and Government Relations, Olam Nigeria, is an executive with a simple yet elegant sense of style.  He is a commercial diplomat who is passionate about the continent and its people. In this interview, he tells FUNKE OSAE-BROWN about his life and plans for Christmas.

His dashing smile broadens as he walks down the hallway of the Eko Hotel and Suites. He looks radiant in his chocolate brown kaftan. His height adding remarkable grace to his carriage. It has been a while I last saw him until our paths crossed again that sunny July Monday morning. Not much has changed about him, his smile and warmth were still there except for his grey hairs.

As an executive, Ade Adefeko, has traversed different aspects of corporate marketing and communications.  A son of a retired diplomat who was exposed to travelling at an early age, he spent a greater part of his early childhood in different parts of the world. Towards the latter part of the early 1980s, his family returned to Nigeria. He returned to a Nigeria where relationships were largely devoid of ethnic or religious colouration and has since built friendships that cut across multilingual, multicultural and societal boundaries.

Adefeko IMAGE/ B7K PHOTOGRAPHY

He recalls growing up in a post-independence Nigeria full of hope and belief in the country and its potential. “Patriotic fervor was at its apex. We had an effective and efficient Public Service that was driven by merit, utilities worked, probity and accountability was the norm but unfortunately over the last three decades Nigeria has lost its moral compass. We are now imbued with bad governance and corruption at almost all levels and strata of society. How we got to this sorry state I cannot seem to comprehend.”

Adefeko from a young age has been artistically inclined; he has leaned towards writing, debating and was a vociferous reader. As he grew older, he knew he wanted to affect people’s lives in different ways so he engages in mentoring through thought leadership, public commentary on issues of national discourse, sports punditry, opinion shaping and policy advocacy. He has worked across multiple industries from banking, pay television, FMCG and is now contributing his quota to the growth and development of the Agricultural sector.

Adefeko with his wife, Tosin

“I can say I am a commercial diplomat,” he says confidently. “I constantly strive to initiate, nurture and sustain relationships be it business or social. Without being immodest it has been a positive and progressive journey and can only get better.”

Very early on in his childhood and later adult life he realised he had a knack for communications. He has been comfortable with engaging people, writing and devouring newspapers as well listening to radio and public speaking from a young age. In addition, he learnt to master many local and international languages and over time he has shown adeptness in them.

“I went to a’ UNITY’ school’ Federal Government College Odogbolu and that helped to shape my perception and thinking and hence my PERSONA NIGERIANA,” he says.

As a busy executive, each day comes with its own challenges for Adefeko. Hence for him, no day is ever the same. “Typical day? There is no such thing because every day presents new challenges, new opportunities and I tend to travel a lot. In between flying and driving I get a lot of work done via phone calls, emails, SMS and the likes. If I’m not on the road or in the air this is how my day pans out:  I usually wake up early –  check on the kids and then I’ll sit down and catch up on news and emails. Grab some breakfast and I am out of the house by 8am. I usually have a lot of meetings but mostly out of the office.”

Adefeko IMAGE/B7K PHOTOGRAPHY

Despite his busy schedules, Adefeko still finds time to relax. He relaxes by spending time with his family, listening to music and watching movies with his wife. He is a lover of different genres of music and movies. A football aficionado and Arsenal fan, whenever he is in town on Fridays, he goes on night outs with his wife. “I try to create time to relax as often I can,” he says.

Adefeko also loves to travel. His job has seen him travel to different countries in Africa and the world. “My favourite travel spots are quite numerous,” he explains when I asked him about his favourite Cities. “I like Nairobi for its vibrant ambience, Kigali for its orderliness and cleanliness and Johannesburg for its cosmopolitan appeal. In Europe, London because I have lots of friends and family. It’s always fun to catch up with them and Paris for its art, culture and cuisine.”

Having travelled to thirty-four of the nation’s thirty-six states, Chappal Waddi, the highest peak on Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State is his favourite tourist spot in Nigeria.

And of course, like every inhabitant of the pulsating city of Lagos, Ade loves Lagos. He says he loves the vibe and energy of the city. “There’s something for everyone,” he says. “It has world-class art, culture, music and food. But it’s the people that gives the city its life and buzz. That’s my Las Gidi.”

Aside travelling, Adefeko loves to read. He enjoys reading a variety of books. For him, part of what makes a great leader is the ability to learn something new every day. His favourite books are on leadership and followership. Although he has read and enjoyed quite a few, two stand out. They are: “The End of Power” by Moises Naim and “From Third World to First: The Singapore Story, 1965 – 2000” by Lee Kuan Yew.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown is a popular adage, no doubt, there are several challenges that come with being an executive. Adefeko has this to say about them: “Executives face new and different challenges to keep their companies running effectively. From adapting to technological advances and political nuances to recruiting top talent who are skilled in an ever-changing job market.”

Therefore, what makes a good leader for him are three Cs –  courage, credibility and competence and in addition have empathy. “Courage to lead, competence to execute, and credibility as it goes   hand in hand with competence. Empathy shown to those being led.”

A stylish executive, he has grown to love the style and feel that Nigerian tradition outfits have to offer; hence he is usually seen looking suave and debonair in them. When Adefeko is not at work, he loves to go casual.

As the festive season is fast approaching, he plans to spend it with his family. “Christmas/New year is that time of year when we celebrate peace, love and joie de vivre. Christmas is a time for family and it is not different for me. I usually use the time to bond with my wife and kids and let my hair down.”