Sahara Group has appointed Mrs. Folake Soetan as the Managing Director, Arahas Global Oilfield Services, as the organisation accelerates its Beyond XXX agenda focused on deepening impact, advancing operational excellence, and shaping the future of energy across Africa.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group Limited, Bethel Obioma, the Executive Director, Sahara Group, Adedeji Odunsi, said the development in Arahas, a Sahara Group Oilfield Services Company, reinforces the energy and infrastructure in the conglomerate’s dedication to making a difference in the energy sector through long-term vision and growth priorities.
The appointment takes effect on July 1, 2026.
“Our focus is on building future-ready platforms anchored on strong leadership, clear strategy, and disciplined execution. Folake’s appointment reflects our commitment to empowering leaders who can translate ambition into measurable outcomes across our energy ecosystem,” he said.
Soetan’s appointment comes at a defining moment for Arahas, Sahara Group’s integrated oilfield services business, which is positioned to redefine how oilfield services are delivered across the value chain through a bold emphasis on innovation, operational efficiency and sustainability.
In her new role, she will lead the drive to embed Arahas’ core mantra of delivering high-impact, value-driven solutions to partners and stakeholders.
Her mandate reflects a broader strategic intent to strengthen Arahas as a globally competitive platform rooted in African expertise, engineering excellence, and operational reliability.
It is also expected to accelerate Arahas’ ability to deliver efficient solutions that optimise production, extend asset life and enhance operational certainty across the energy lifecycle.
Odunsi noted that beyond Arahas, Folake’s role will extend to expanded responsibilities within the Sahara Power Group, where she will leverage her extensive experience in the power sector – particularly her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric – to enhance performance frameworks, strengthen operational linkages, and support the delivery of reliable electricity solutions.
“This dual responsibility signals Sahara’s deliberate effort to create stronger integration across its upstream and power value chains, unlocking synergies that will enable a more cohesive, efficient, and sustainable approach to energy delivery across the continent,” he added.
Speaking on her appointment, Soetan expressed her enthusiasm for the role and the broader opportunity to contribute to Sahara’s evolving energy vision.
“Arahas represents a bold and timely opportunity to redefine how oilfield services are delivered across Africa, anchored on innovation, efficiency and sustainability. I am excited to work with the team to build a high-performance platform that strengthens the integration of our Beyond XXX agenda and shape a more resilient energy landscape for the continent,” she said.
Soetan brings to this role a compelling blend of strategic leadership, operational depth and transformation experience, shaped by years of leading complex businesses within Nigeria and Ghana’s energy sector.
She had previously worked in the Midstream, Downstream, Power and Airline Sectors, and will now bring her wealth of experience to the Upstream Services sector.
During her time as CEO of Ikeja Electric, she drove significant operational and organisational improvements, strengthened customer-centric initiatives, and led the business through a period of heightened performance focus within one of Africa’s largest electricity distribution companies.
Her leadership was defined by a strong emphasis on efficiency, accountability and sustainable value creation, alongside her ability to navigate regulatory complexity, manage diverse stakeholder interests, and deliver results in a highly dynamic environment.
Meet Folake Soetan
Folake Soetan is the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric Plc, the largest electricity distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa. Folake began her career in the Aviation Sector working for British Airways and Virgin Nigeria as the Head of Sales. She joined Sahara Group in 2009 and worked in one of its key entities, SO Aviation in Ghana as the Vice President, Downstream – West Africa and led the expansion of the downstream market share beyond the shores of Nigeria and into Ghana, one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.
Folake commenced her transformational journey at Ikeja Electric, joining as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer and soon rising to become the Chief Commercial Officer. She commenced what will become one of the most transformational changes in the distribution end of the power sector in Nigeria. Her achievements helped elevate her to the position of Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase customer growth, reduce energy losses and aligning the major operating departments of the business towards a common strategy.
Folake became CEO in 2020, leading a team of over 3,200 employees in the next phase of power sector transformation, which involves increased power distribution, technological transformation, and digital monetisation. She has continued to lead the industry in loss reduction, metering, innovation, and sustainability.
Folake also oversaw the company’s successful attainment of globally recognised certifications, including ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), affirming her commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Folake is an alumna of Harvard Business School where she studied Advanced Management, a graduate of banking and finance from the University of Lagos and continues to participate in several leadership programs to equip her with the skillset required to transform lives and businesses sustainably.
An astute advocate of leading with empathy, Folake is committed to influencing and actively contributing to the development and growth of women in STEM and mentors several young men and women looking to build successful professional careers in the power and oil & gas sectors.
Beyond the boardroom, she is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, particularly women and youth, through her active involvement in Women in Energy Network (WIEN) and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ). In 2022, she was named one of Eko 100 Women by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for her advocacy for equity and inclusion
