EVENT REVIEW - Circuit Magazine Hosts Executive Security Forum - West Africa

Virtual event - October 16th, 2020

The Circuit Magazine held a virtual West Africa Executive Security Forum on October 16, 2020, that was attended by Executive Protection specialists and experts from the West Africa region and globally.

The goal of the Forum was to foster improved relationships inside and outside of the region, whilst developing training priorities that should guide and inform the working CP beyond the pandemic.

The event carefully balanced questions ranging from what EP in the region requires to get to the next level among locally-based experts and how the international community can help it get there. It also looked at the local rules of engagement within the West African operating picture and addressed how local solo operators can attract the attention of credible international partners.

It was reassuring to see that many parallels were drawn between the corporate security professional, for example, in Nigeria and one in Europe, especially where the question of professional development and career advancement found common ground. The event was fortunate to have many members of the ASIS West Africa Young Professionals chapter attending and speaking, including Victoria Nkemdilim Ogbuehi, Senior Risk and Resilience Manager Nigeria, of Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company.

Being uniquely placed at the heart of the protection community, the Circuit Magazine brought together and connected thought leaders in this space to dig deep to discover whether online training has a place in this industry and how practitioners can navigate this potential minefield to make valuable investments in their education and development.

Corporate Security does not exist in isolation.” Some security practitioners “came up with new SOPs to contain the spread” They realised “working remotely is a possibility” ‘Businesses want to make sure they are secure first before they can begin to drive their profits

Victoria Nkemdilim Ogbuehi, Senior Risk and Resilience Manager Nigeria, Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company

From topics such as: “Visiting West Africa from an International Perspective” and “Understanding the Importance of Developing Tactical Medical Skills as an EP Professional in West Africa”, the event featured key industry heavy hitters, many of whom generously contributed informative and valuable expertise and perspectives on a range of relevant and timely topics. Participants also gleaned tips and insights on how to go beyond their paper CVs and better navigate their careers in post-COVID world.

Special Thanks… Special thanks must go out to all our participants and esteemed speakers and panellists who held nothing back and delivered a truly memorable experience. We’re indebted to each and every one of you for the time you gave and the selfless dedication in sharing of your valuable professional experience and knowledge. A particular word of thanks to the ASIS West Africa Chapter for all their support.

In an era of unprecedented uncertainty facing the modern close protection specialist, the event was indeed a valuable addition and welcomed resource for working CPs.

The only question which remains is what topics should we cover? And again, this is where we look to hear from you, our valued readers.

Event Programme The half-day forum comprised of an intensive 4 hours of engaging panel discussions.

The full agenda included:

Opening Panel Discussion: Understanding the Evolution of Corporate Security in West Africa

Panellists:

• Victoria Nkemdilim Ogbuehi, Senior Risk and Resilience Manager- Nigeria, Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company

• Gospel Israel Cookey, Head of Security, Daystar Power Group

• Hilda Dafe Nwachukwu, Security Manager – West Africa, Cummins Inc

• Finn Tore Pettersen, Sr. Strategic Risk Security and Administrations Manager, The Coca Cola Company

• Théodore Lompo, Regional Security Superintendent West Africa, IAMGOLD Corporation

International Perspectives Panel: Visiting The Region from an International Perspective

Panellists:

• Michael J Padilla-Pagan Payano, Chairman and CEO, Al Thuraya Inc.

• Lee Oughton, COO, Fortress

• Mac Segal, Regional Director EMEA, AS Solution

• Steve Phelps, Regional Risk and Security Manager, DCPL

If you’d like to suggest a topic for our next event, drop us an email at info@circuit-magazine.com with your suggestions.