Meet the Crew: Femi Adesanya

Growing up in Nigeria, Femi Adesanya never dreamed of a career at sea.

He studied diplomacy and public relations and says it was expected in his culture to return home, find a good paying job and care for his family.

However, Femi had a curiosity about missions and pursued training at a Disciple Training School through Youth With A Mission in Ghana. There he met many Mercy Shippers who were committing to Mercy Ships long-term. They shared about Mercy Ships’ mission of bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.

“It was hard for me to picture a ship, treating people but I began to look into it. I went on the internet and I looked at pictures of patients before and after and they were almost unbelievable for me. I couldn’t believe it was true.”

Femi decided to join the ship in Benin in 2009 as day crew and after serving two field services as day crew he decided that he was being called to the ship full time. He served for 15 months as a receptionist before moving to the deck department.

“I had no knowledge of what the maritime industry is like, I knew almost nothing about sea faring.”

Two years later and Femi has climbed the ranks from deckhand to deck rating, working towards an able seafarer license and will soon be able to apply for an officer of the watch license. Femi has had the benefit of training sponsored by Mercy Ships, which he can use internationally should he decide to pursue a career as a sailor.

“The good thing about working in the deck department is that there is opportunity to learn every day. Just when you think you know it all there is still an opportunity to learn.”

According to Femi, it is the drive to excellence that sets Mercy Ships apart from other organizations.

“I see excellence in all that we say and do. People’s motivation and creativity is normally tied to the income they get and here is a place where you serve without being paid yet you strive to do everything with excellence. That’s really special.”

We are so proud of Femi and all volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy. They truly are the lifeblood of Mercy Ships!

Are you interested in volunteering? Click here for current volunteer opportunities!