Sahara Group Appoints Folake Soetan as Managing Director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services
Sahara Group has announced the appointment of Folake Soetan as the Managing Director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services. This strategic move is part of the company’s Beyond XXX agenda, which aims to enhance its impact while driving operational excellence and shaping the future of energy across Africa.
Strengthening Energy and Infrastructure
Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications at Sahara Group Limited, cited Executive Director Adeji Odunsi, who emphasized that the development of Arahas reinforces Sahara’s commitment to transforming the energy sector through long-term vision and growth initiatives. Arahas, a newly established oilfield services company under the Sahara Group umbrella, is positioned to significantly impact energy and infrastructure development.
Effective Leadership in a New Era
This appointment will take effect on July 1, 2026. Odunsi remarked that the focus is on creating a future-ready platform backed by strong leadership, a clear strategy, and disciplined execution. Folake’s leadership is seen as pivotal in converting ambitious goals into tangible outcomes within the energy ecosystem.
Redefining Oilfield Services
Folake Soetan’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Arahas, which aims to revolutionize how oilfield services are delivered throughout the value chain. With a dedicated focus on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability, Arahas is set to reshape the industry’s landscape.
Fostering Strategic Intent
In her new role, Soetan will spearhead initiatives that align with Arahas’ core philosophy of providing high-impact, value-driven solutions to partners and stakeholders. This approach reflects a broader strategic intent to bolster Arahas’ competitiveness on a global scale, leveraging African expertise and engineering excellence.
Expanding Responsibilities within Sahara Power Group
Beyond her role at Arahas, Soetan’s responsibilities will extend to the Sahara Power Group. Drawing from her vast experience in the power sector, especially during her tenure as CEO of Ikeja Electric, she is expected to enhance performance metrics, foster collaboration, and support reliable energy solutions across the electricity value chain.
A Vision for Sustainable Energy
Soetan expressed her excitement about her new role and the opportunities it presents to contribute to Sahara’s evolving energy vision. She believes that Arahas represents a significant opportunity to innovate and improve the delivery of oilfield services throughout Africa, emphasizing the importance of efficiency, sustainability, and a cohesive energy landscape.
Extensive Experience in Energy Sector
Soetan brings a unique blend of strategic leadership, operational depth, and transformational experience from her years leading complex businesses in Nigeria and Ghana’s energy sectors. Her diverse background spans midstream, downstream, power, and aviation, equipping her with the insights necessary to succeed in the upstream services sector.
During her time as CEO of Ikeja Electric, she was instrumental in instigating operational improvements, elevating customer focus, and steering the company through a challenging performance phase at one of Africa’s largest electricity distribution firms. Her leadership has been characterized by a commitment to efficiency, accountability, and sustainable value creation, while adeptly managing regulatory complexities and diverse stakeholder interests.
