A Legacy of Leadership, Integrity, and Service
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Peter Okoloh, an exceptional leader and a beacon of integrity within the private security industry. Peter's journey was marked by unwavering dedication, strategic foresight, camaraderie and an inspiring commitment to security and public safety. As the Executive Vice-Chairman and Executive Director of Operations at PR24 Nigeria Limited, he worked with a team to steer the organization with remarkable vision and professionalism, ensuring excellence in security operations in complex and high-risk environments, with over 1,300 guard force.
With a career spanning over 25 years, Peter's impact was profound and far-reaching. From his humble beginning as a Security Guard at Corporate Guards Limited to security leadership roles at leading Nigeria's foremost financial institutions – such as Fidelity Bank Plc and Ecobank Nigeria – where Peter successfully demonstrated unwavering and unparalleled dedication to the management of security risks across all domains – people, critical infrastructure, systems and assets. His strategic leadership, adaptability, and effective communication were pivotal in providing thought-leading pieces at large-scale public events [local and international], whilst leading the industry transformation.
Peter's influence extended beyond operational leadership. He was a mentor and a builder of diverse teams, known for his integrity, humility, quest for knowledge, positive mindset, and self-awareness. He was passionate about nurturing talents and empowering his teams through training and capacity development, with notable impact on over 7,000 employees. His pursuit of excellence was not only evident in his professional roles but also in his commitment to lifelong learning, as reflected in his attainment of Certified Protection Professional (CPP) credential, enrolment in the Advanced Management Programme at Lagos Business School, B.A. Honors in Philosophy from Lagos State University, EMBA in Business Continuity Management from PECB University Washinton DC, Masters in Security and Intelligence Studies from the University of Lagos, alongside several courses and trainings in the USA, Europe and China. Peter worked assiduously in ASIS, where he served in many capacities, including Vice Chairman and Chairman for Lagos Chapter 206, Assistant Regional Vice President [ARVP] and member of Sub-Sahara Africa Region Committee [SARAC].
Throughout his illustrious career, Peter received numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Best Security Manager of the Year” award in the banking industry. His leadership was instrumental in achieving critical certifications, such as OHSAS 18001, ISO 20001, and ISO 45001, demonstrating his commitment to operational excellence and safety standards.
Peter's legacies were embodied in people-centered leadership, integrity, and service. He was not just a colleague but a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of working with and for him. His influence in the private security industry will continue to resonate, and his memory will live on in the countless lives he touched.
As we mourn his untimely departure, we also celebrate the remarkable life he led and the indelible mark he left on the private security industry – local and international. Peter's footprints will inspire future generations of security professionals to lead with integrity, compassion, and excellence.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace, and may his legacies continue to inspire.