Boss Picks

Independence: Which Way Nigeria?

Published

7 years ago

September 29, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

In the early 80s, popular Nigerian musician, Sonny Okosuns shocked the entire Nigeria music audience with the song titled ‘Which Way Nigeria’. The critics and of course music lovers reasoned that the hit track was apt as it showcases the history of the nation from independence till the period it was released.

However, many years after Okosuns death in 2008, and many years after the song was released, the message remained evergreen, as no issue mentioned in the piece has been addressed. In fact, every tiny bit of information remained as it were when 31 years old, the artist expressed his disillusion.

The artist expressed that ‘many many years of our independence, we still find it hard to start’, reflecting a country that is in auto-pilot, in comatose and seems not to have a direction. He went ahead to ask ‘how long shall we be patient before we reach the Promised Land?’ This line highlights the desire of every Nigerian based on the promises that have coming since independence, which gave the populace hope of brighter future that portends positive promises. It is worthy of note that the promises were heralded in 2015 when the present administration was canvassing for the people’s votes. This promise of milk and honey was summarized in what the administration called ‘change’. But many months down the line, the result is disillusion; the change has proved to be negative as hardship and the so called recession is the newest lexicon in the dictionary of Nigerians. So the patience is stretched longer, as no one seems to know how much longer it is going to last.

Sonny Okosuns noted in the second stanza of his song that ‘everything that goes wrong, we start to blame the government’, noting that ‘we are part of the government’. At this stage, much as he realized that the common people are part of the government, he identified that there are also a set of people who has been bestowed with the grace to carry the tag of government when he said, and rightly too that ‘inefficiency and corruption is ruining the country now’ adding that ‘inflation is soaring high’.

The whole scenario painted 33 years ago in a simple song still follows the country today. The extent of looting is incomprehensible, and so does the rate of inflation where a bag of rice, Nigeria’s stable food, sells for N18, 000 and still counting prompting the question, which way Nigeria?

The artist noted that ‘we made mistakes during the oil boom’ in the way resources were mismanaged, but the same mistake is evergreen till today, considering that between 1985 and 1993 under the regime of the Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, yet another oil boom was witnessed, but where are the proceeds? Again, during the Peoples Democratic Party reign, oil was lucrative, but nothing was forthcoming. So, Sonny Okosuns assessment of mistakes continues.

And not forgetting that some have everything while some have nothing continue to be the order of the day.

It is obvious that the problems that came with independence are yet to extricate themselves from the Nigerian nation thereby crippling its growth. The country’s growth has therefore remained stunted with many blaming the quagmire on ineffective leadership and corruption. A onetime leader of the country had said the problem of the country has ‘defied all economic logic’ making one wonder if Malaysia, Singapore and all other countries that have risen above mediocrity were not once in a state of indecision.

In the song’s constant refrain, the artist maintained ‘let’s save Nigeria, saying that Green Revolution is the reality and should be given a chance, adding that a single step in this direction will lead to a million miles of self sustenance.

As the war on corruption or rather politicking by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rages, we must understand that the song of 1985 will continue to haunt the nation until ‘our ambition to be millionaires’ is curbed, and replaced with the desire to ‘save Nigeria’ and do the right thin

Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

1 day ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

If there is a limit to paying dues as regards affecting humanity, Captain Emmanuel Adesegun Sotomi, has done absolutely divine, excellently well and incredibly outstanding. And he is only 45 years. Yes, December 5, 2025 was his birthday.

A typical all-rounder, Sotomi is a blend of academic, field and the unthinkable. He is a generalissimo in every field he has found himself; enterprise, camaraderie, business of 9-5 or flying for commercial purposes or pleasure. Sotomi is the future.

A brief of his adapted career trend reveals that Sotomi has seen it all, achieved it all, and can be defined as human technology transfer in the way he has mentored a great number of youths and competitors and contemporaries alike.

Philanthropism; yes, a lot of folks, who know him are full of testimonies of his open handedness, his love to rescue the needy and lift the downtrodden are phenomenal. He is a lover of humanity, a true legend in discipline.

Soft spoken and well read, Sotomi is a dream of every growing youth, who planned to be thoroughly established before the golden age. He is a role model.

Below is a derived biodata of the fast rising pilot-cum-entrepreneur…

Captain Segun Sotomi is a skilled commercial pilot, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He attended the University of Lagos before going to top-tier aviation schools in South Africa, Canada, and the United States to obtain his pilot licenses. He is currently a captain with Gulf Helicopters Qatar, a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum.

Capt. Sotomi is licensed to operate both airplanes and helicopters [Licenses include SACAA PL (Airplane); CPL / FAA ATPL (Helicopter)]. His previous work experience includes Nest Oil, where he flew offshore.

He is also the founder and CEO of Southern Shore Integrated Services LTD, an offshore aviation logistics support company, and has a passion for working with, and empowering youths.

Captain Sotomi has served in several management positions in his flying career, and also sits on the board of different top-tier companies.

He is an avid polo player, and is happily married with children.

Happy 45th birthday!

Boss Picks

Meet Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain, CEO at Profound Realtors

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It takes hard work to work harder. It takes achievement to attract more achievements. And so, at Profound Realtors, hard work and achievements have remained the other of the day, creating leverage for more affordable housings clients in and out of Dubai, and unleashing comfort and peace of mind never experienced anywhere else.

The success of Profound Realtors, the credit it has enjoyed across the world, and the goodies it still have in store for as many that are making up their minds to transact concluding businesses of homes and lands with the company, is attributed to a dedicated team of workers, led by the ever trustworthy Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ashfaq Hussain, a seasoned real estate personal with experience spanning years.

Mr Hussain is a handful when it comes to service delivery, customer satisfaction and accountability. His human face to every transaction has placed Profound on the great map of trust, honesty, affordability, reliability and comfort.

One just need to purchase from Profound to prove the grace of service delivery.

Ashfaq Hussain is further presented as a colossus in putting smiles on the faces of clients and every other person he comes in contact with in the entrepreneurial journey.

His biodata is presented as follows:

With over 20 years of experience in Dubai’s dynamic real estate market, Mr. Ashfaq Hussain is a seasoned professional who has witnessed the evolution of the industry from its early leasing days to the launch of freehold properties in 2004. Hailing from a humble background in Pakistan, Ashfaq moved to Dubai with a dream and a determination to succeed—and through hard work and unwavering dedication, he has turned that dream into reality.

Ashfaq’s expertise and passion for real estate have earned him a reputation as one of Dubai’s most trusted realtors. His exceptional track record includes brokering high-value transactions of villas and luxury mansions on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, catering to investors and celebrities from around the globe.

Currently, Ashfaq manages one of the largest celebrity property portfolios in Dubai, and his name is synonymous with excellence in the industry. He is well-regarded by leading developers such as Emaar, Nakheel, Damac, and Dubai Properties.

As the founder of Profound Realtors, Ashfaq now leads a team of experienced real estate professionals, providing top-notch services in luxury property sales, leasing, and investment consultancy. His deep knowledge of the market and dedication to client success continue to make him a respected figure in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Profound is the name when it comes to affordable houses in Dubai.

Boss Picks

Ghana’s Inna Mariam Patty Called to the Bar of England & Wales with Distinction

Published

1 week ago

November 27, 2025

Eric

Distinguished Ghanaian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Inna Mariam Patty, was officially called to the Bar of England and Wales at Lincoln’s Inn on November 25, 2025, graduating with Distinction from the University of Law.

In an extraordinary show of support, guests travelled from Ghana, Dubai, Uganda, South Africa, the United States of America and across the United Kingdom to celebrate this landmark achievement at both the Call ceremony and the private dinner celebration held afterwards.

Among the high-profile attendees were Miss Patty’s parents, Ambassador Youssif Patty and Mrs. Jameelah Patty, and her siblings, as well as: H.E. Mrs. Zita Benson, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, and Mr. Bobby Benson.

Others were Mr. Kwabena Osei-Danquah, Chief of Staff, Commonwealth Secretariat, London, Ms. Eileen Baguma, HR & Corporate Affairs Director, EACOP Uganda; Ms. Pihillipa Pepera, CEO of Pippas Health Centre, Accra; Mrs. Vangie Mari Patty, Regional Engineering Manager, Puma Energy; General Manager, EIB Network; and Founder & President, Women in Sustainability Africa.

The dignitaries joined family, friends, and colleagues who travelled internationally to honour Miss Patty’s distinguished academic achievement and her transition into the legal profession.

Speaking after the ceremony, Patty remarked: “This milestone is a continuation of my purpose—to use law as a tool for empowerment, justice, and social impact, especially for women and vulnerable communities.”

Patty is widely celebrated for her leadership as CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Ltd and Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, through which she has driven initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. She also serves as a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital.

Her exceptional career has earned her recognitions including:

Overall African Woman Achiever (CSR Consultant), African Women Awards 2023
Top 50 Young CEOs in Ghana (Avance Media, 2023)
International Arch of Europe Award (2017)

Patty’s call to the Bar marks a powerful blend of entrepreneurial excellence, philanthropy, and legal advocacy—positioning her as a rising legal voice and social impact leader for Ghana and beyond.

ABOUT INNA MARIAM PATTY

Inna Mariam Patty is a Ghanaian business executive, lawyer, and philanthropist. She is CEO of Exclusive Events Ghana Limited, Chairwoman of the Miss Ghana Foundation, and a Board Member of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital. Patty holds an MSc in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics, as well as a GDL and BPC with Distinction from the University of Law.