A retired U.S. Army Major turned business strategist, social entrepreneur, and global thought leader, Adeleke has seamlessly transitioned his military expertise into a thriving career in supply chain management. However, his aspirations extend well beyond the corporate world—he is deeply committed to empowering others, advocating for immigrants, and promoting better leadership and governance across the globe.
Adebayo Adeleke: Military Journey
Born in Ilesha, Nigeria, an ancient city in the southwestern region, Adebayo spent much of his childhood in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He began his education at the Adventist Seminary of West Africa, which later became Babcock University in the late 1990s. Eventually, he moved to the United States to pursue further opportunities, marking a turning point in his life.
His father, who had worked in the U.S., returned to Nigeria to help rebuild a hospital in Ile-Ife. As Nigeria's social and economic conditions deteriorated in the early 1990s, his father decided to return to the U.S. and arranged for the rest of the family to join him.
This journey marked Adebayo's first trip to the U.S. However, driven by his father's wishes, he later returned to Nigeria to continue his education. Though he could not complete his studies at the Adventist Seminary at the time, he eventually earned his degree while serving in the U.S. military.
Adebayo's inspiration to join the military came unexpectedly during a baseball game. As he watched, an advertisement for the U.S. military appeared on the screen with the slogan “Be all you can be,” sparking a profound moment of self-discovery. Motivated by this, he enlisted and found a sense of purpose greater than himself.
In the military, he discovered a community of individuals dedicated to serving and defending their nation—a discovery he views as one of the greatest educations of his life. His training revealed qualities within him that he hadn't fully recognized before, opening his eyes to the wider world and giving him the chance to travel, work in diverse settings, and immerse himself in different cultures.
A frequently asked question is why he chose to become an officer. His path to that goal began much earlier. In 2005, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, he was still a Sergeant. Each time he passed the gates of Kadena Air Force Base, he saw how officers ahead of him were saluted. This simple but powerful moment reinforced his longstanding desire to become an officer.
By the time he arrived in Okinawa, he had already completed most of the necessary steps to advance in his career. However, witnessing those salutes reignited his determination. Later that year, after serving in the military for seven years, he realized his dream and was commissioned as an officer, marking a pivotal moment in his journey.
A Distinguished Military Career
Throughout his 20-year military career, Adebayo faced both triumphs and challenges. His service took him around the world, allowing him to experience diverse cultures and assignments that profoundly shaped his worldview.
In 2018, after two decades of service, he retired from the military to explore new ventures in consulting, supply chain management, and leadership. With a wealth of experience behind him, he embraced this new chapter, eager to engage with the world from a fresh perspective.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0