The only skill Philips Michael could offer for a job when he arrived in Dubai in 2013 was swimming. As he was growing up in Nigeria, he simply picked up that expertise on the side without any formal training. He had no idea that it would lead to a new beginning for him in Dubai. After ten years, he is currently a marine officer with World Security, a DP World business that offers security solutions for a variety of companies in the United Arab Emirates.
Philips was raised in a rural location where the main industries were agriculture, logging, and fishing. After school, he used to help his father, who was a lumber dealer, with the family business. Philips is an Ijaw and a member of the Arogbo tribe from Ondo, a state on Nigeria’s southwest coast.
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He intended to concentrate on playing football after high school. However, there were financial difficulties because his father was unable to carry the entire load himself. Philips also began to assume responsibility and he desired to emigrate in quest of better opportunities.
A flight to Dubai
At that point, Philips was introduced to his friend who works in the UAE by his uncle Love Torulolo. Philips, who had no special plans for a lengthy stay, had taken a flight from Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, to Dubai on a two-week tourist visa. In January 2013 it happened.
“My thoughts shifted as soon as I touched down. I remarked that I would not be returning soon. Here, the atmosphere was very different. the metro, the network of roads. It was just amazing. I wanted to stay back, so I called my uncle at home and told him that.
Philips left the nation on a one-month visa, asked around about how to apply for jobs here, and then returned. He received a lot of help and guidance from the locals here.
Swimming saves the day
Someone asked me whether I can swim after I explained where I was from. Okay, write a resume for a position as a lifeguard, they instructed. I had no notion what a lifeguard did for a living. I also didn’t get any swimming instruction. I was just born to swim,” Philips claimed.
But after creating the CV, he began scatter-dropping it in various locations. His pals were also supporting him in his job search. Three firms, including World Security and two more, made proposals to him.
He chose World Security because of the superior pay and emphasis on sports that they placed on it. He never needed to look elsewhere for opportunity because his trust had shown to be in the right place. And World Security gave him training and encouragement to help him achieve his goals.
an inexperienced lifeguard
“The employer sent me to the American Red Cross for training when I started working there as a lifeguard without any prior experience. I received my certificate and began to work,” Philips recalled.
He began to realise his ambition. An internal job opening was soon published. For the maritime crew, that is. Philip submitted an application and was chosen for the job. He was then sent to work and received on-the-job training from the company.
His duties as a maritime crew member included securing the waterways, guarding local residents’ lives and property, controlling and managing access, and stopping any illegal activity for various clients.
“As the marine crew, we were positioned in one place, and our officers are the ones who go around and patrol the area,” he claims.
Turns into an officer
For almost two years, Philips was a member of the marine crew. He made the decision to get a boat driver’s licence as the job started to be exciting. In 2016, he became a boat driver after passing the test.
“I’ve always had aspirations of advancing my career. In order to increase my chances and competence, I took certain courses in fire safety and fitness training. I was appointed Marine Office in 2019,” Philips stated.
Next, what?
God holds all things in his grasp. My next goal is to return home and start a water sports and cruise business there using the knowledge I’ve gained there. That is my aim, says Philips.
Although Philips is as happy and enthusiastic about his career and the potential for growth in Dubai as he was when he first arrived here ten years ago, he has no imminent plans to leave.
He is incredibly appreciative of the opportunities and help this nation, World Security, and its people have given him in realising his aspirations.
Akhilesh Nair, Head of Security Operation at World Security, and Hamda Ateeq Rashed Harem Al Dhaheri, Head of QHSE at World Security, deserve my gratitude for their leadership, support, and on-going inspiration, stated Philips.
“I should also thank Kalfan Sultan, who is in head of the World Security marine operation, for having faith in me. He had some initial reservations about me. Nevertheless, he granted me the opportunity to join his team, the man stated.
In his native Nigeria, Philips lives with his wife and three daughters.
He is particularly appreciative of the publicity the Taqdeer Award for his business has given him. It is a happy event, even for my relatives back home, he remarked.
