Sahara Group has announced the appointment of Mrs. Folake Soetan as Managing Director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services, effective July 1, 2026. This strategic move is set to accelerate the organisation's "Beyond XXX" agenda, which focuses on enhancing impact, operational excellence, and shaping the future of energy across Africa.
Adedeji Odunsi, Executive Director at Sahara Group, stated that this development within Arahas, an oilfield services company under Sahara Group, underscores the conglomerate's commitment to long-term vision and growth in the energy sector. He emphasized the focus on building future-ready platforms anchored on strong leadership and disciplined execution.
Mrs. Soetan's appointment comes at a crucial time for Arahas, as the integrated oilfield services business aims to redefine service delivery through innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability. Her mandate includes embedding Arahas' core principle of delivering high-impact, value-driven solutions to partners and stakeholders.
Her role will also extend to expanded responsibilities within the Sahara Power Group. Here, she will utilize her extensive experience in the power sector, particularly her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, to improve performance frameworks and strengthen operational linkages for reliable electricity solutions.
This dual responsibility signifies Sahara Group's deliberate effort to foster stronger integration across its upstream and power value chains. The goal is to unlock synergies that will lead to a more cohesive, efficient, and sustainable approach to energy delivery across the continent.
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs. Soetan expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to Sahara's evolving energy vision. She noted that Arahas represents a bold and timely platform to redefine oilfield services in Africa, grounded in innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Mrs. Soetan brings a compelling blend of strategic leadership, operational depth, and transformation experience from years of leading complex businesses in Nigeria and Ghana's energy sector. Her background spans the Midstream, Downstream, Power, and Airline Sectors, and she now transitions to the Upstream Services sector.
During her time as CEO of Ikeja Electric, she spearheaded significant operational and organisational improvements, strengthened customer-centric initiatives, and guided the business through a period of heightened performance focus within one of Africa’s largest electricity distribution companies. Her leadership was characterized by a strong emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and sustainable value creation.
The appointment aligns with Sahara Group's broader upstream ambitions. In 2025, the company announced plans to increase crude oil production to 350,000 barrels per day within five years. This expansion is being driven through Asharami Energy, the group’s upstream oil and gas business, through enhanced exploration and production capabilities, improved execution capacity, and the acquisition of seven new drilling rigs.
