Sahara Group Appoints Folake Soetan as Managing Director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services
Sahara Group has announced the appointment of Folake Soetan as the new Managing Director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s operational performance and align with its ‘Beyond XXX’ strategy, which seeks to redefine the future of Africa’s energy sector.
Commitment to Sustainable Leadership
According to Sahara Group, this appointment underscores its dedication to reinforcing leadership as it actively pursues long-term growth within the energy value chain. Adeji Odunsi, Executive Director at Sahara Group, highlighted that Soetan’s leadership at Alahas, the group’s oilfield services subsidiary, is a testament to the company’s commitment to fostering sustainable value.
Focused on Sustained Growth and Innovation
Soetan is set to officially assume her role on January 7, 2026. Odunsi reiterated the importance of developing a future-proof business model, supported by capable leadership and disciplined execution. He noted that her appointment emphasizes the company’s resolve to cultivate leaders who can convert strategic initiatives into measurable outcomes across its diverse energy ventures.
Transforming Oilfield Services with a Sustainable Approach
This appointment comes as Arahas seeks to revolutionize oilfield service delivery in the industry, emphasizing innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability. In her new role, Soetan will lead initiatives designed to provide impactful, value-driven solutions for customers and stakeholders alike, while positioning Arahas as a competitive player in the global oilfield services market rooted in African knowledge and engineering prowess.
Enhancing Performance Management Across the Energy Sector
Sahara Group anticipates that this strategic direction will significantly bolster Arahas’ capabilities to deliver solutions that enhance production efficiency, extend the lifespan of energy assets, and improve operational reliability throughout the energy value chain. Odunsi mentioned that Soetan will leverage her extensive background in the power sector, particularly her previous role as CEO of Ikeja Electric, to take on additional responsibilities within the Sahara Power Group.
Integration of Oil and Power Businesses for Greater Synergy
Odunsi added that Soetan’s expertise is crucial for strengthening performance management and improving operational collaboration to ensure more reliable electricity services. This dual appointment reflects Sahara Group’s strategy to enhance the integration between its upstream oil and gas operations and power businesses, thereby creating synergies that foster a more efficient, sustainable, and collaborative energy supply framework across Africa.
Soetan’s Vision for Oilfield Services in Africa
In response to her appointment, Soetan expressed enthusiasm about her role in shaping Sahara Group’s evolving vision for the energy sector. She noted the significant opportunity presented by Arahas to transform oilfield services in Africa through a focus on innovation and sustainability. Looking forward, she aims to work with her team to advance the Group’s Beyond XXX agenda and cultivate an organization that enhances the continent’s energy landscape resilience.
Leveraging Extensive Experience for Growth
Sahara Group highlighted Soetan’s extensive experience in Nigeria and Ghana across midstream, downstream, and power sectors, as well as her contributions to the aviation industry. The company is confident that her blend of strategic leadership, operational insights, and transformational skills will be pivotal in driving growth within the upstream services business. Her previous achievements at Ikeja Electric, where she implemented significant operational changes and focused on customer satisfaction, further demonstrate her capability to lead Arahas into its next phase of growth.
