Sahara Group appoints Folake Soetan to lead Arahas Global Oilfield Services

Sahara Group has named Folake Soetan as the new managing director of Arahas Global Oilfield Services, reinforcing its “Beyond XXX” strategy to expand its footprint, improve operational performance, and shape the future of Africa’s energy industry.

The energy and infrastructure conglomerate said the appointment reflects its commitment to strengthening leadership as it pursues long-term growth across the energy value chain.

Adedeji Odunsi, Executive Director of Sahara Group, said Soetan’s appointment to Arahas, the Group’s oilfield services subsidiary, demonstrates the company’s focus on creating sustainable value. She will officially assume office on January 7, 2026.

Odunsi said Sahara Group remains committed to developing future-focused businesses supported by capable leadership, clear strategic direction and disciplined execution.

According to him, Soetan’s appointment highlights the company’s determination to empower leaders who can convert strategic ambitions into measurable results across its energy operations.

The appointment comes at a time when Arahas is seeking to transform oilfield service delivery across the industry by prioritising innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

As managing director, Soetan will spearhead initiatives to deliver high-impact, value-driven solutions for customers and stakeholders while positioning Arahas as a globally competitive oilfield services company built on African expertise, engineering excellence, and operational reliability.

According to Sahara Group, this strategic direction is expected to strengthen Arahas’ ability to deliver solutions that improve production efficiency, extend the lifespan of energy assets, and increase operational reliability across the energy value chain.

Odunsi also disclosed that Soetan will take on additional responsibilities within Sahara Power Group, drawing on her extensive experience in the electricity sector, particularly her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric.

He said her expertise will help reinforce performance management systems, improve operational collaboration and support the delivery of more reliable electricity services.

He added that the dual appointment reflects Sahara Group’s deliberate strategy to strengthen integration between its upstream oil and gas operations and power businesses, creating synergies that will drive a more efficient, sustainable and coordinated approach to energy delivery across Africa.

Reacting to her appointment, Soetan expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Sahara Group’s evolving vision for the energy sector.

She said Arahas presents a significant opportunity to transform oilfield services across Africa by focusing on innovation, operational efficiency and sustainability.

She added that she looks forward to working with the team to build a high-performing organisation that advances the Group’s Beyond XXX agenda while contributing to a more resilient energy landscape across the continent.

Sahara Group noted that Soetan brings extensive experience from Nigeria and Ghana, spanning the midstream, downstream, and power sectors, as well as the aviation industry.

The company said she will leverage this combination of strategic leadership, operational experience and transformation capabilities to drive growth within its upstream services business.

The company also highlighted her achievements at Ikeja Electric, where she led major operational and organisational reforms, strengthened customer-focused initiatives and improved performance across one of Africa’s largest electricity distribution companies.

Sahara said her leadership style, built on efficiency, accountability and sustainable value creation, will support Arahas’ next phase of growth.