Boss Picks

Buhari’s 51st Foreign Trip: From Russia with Gains

Published

6 years ago

October 26, 2019

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

On October 22, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari embarked on what was probably his 51st foreign trip since he assumed power in 2015. He was headed to Sochi, in Russia for a two days working visit tagged Russia-Africa Summit with tens of other African leaders also participating.

Two days after energy engagements, a cross section of stakeholders agree that Buhari has returned home with a ‘bag of goodies’. It was believed that the President struck a deal of over $150 billion investment which has the potential to lift the Nigerian economy substantially and take it out of doldrum.

According to the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO), which led a team of excited Nigerians to applaud the President’s laudable achievements, Russia will invest huge sums of money in different sectors of the Nigerian economy.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and secretary, Cassidy Madueke, the largesse include a ten billion dollar coastal rail line which will traverse Lagos, Benin Onitsha to Calabar in Cross River state. “Another is eighty billion dollars in nuclear energy, with four nuclear plants to be built in four regions of the nation.

“Other phenomenal gains of President Muhammadu Buhari’s trip to Russia are the investment of about 1.5 billion dollars in the revival of the long-abandoned Ajaokuta steel project, and two billion dollars for military equipment; two billion dollars will be invested in wheat production.”

The group believes that the results are manifesting with the huge inflow of foreign direct investments.

“We therefore commend the tireless efforts of Mr. President to reposition the country in all facets of life and enjoin Nigerians to continue to lend their support,” BMO stated.

In his assessment, an entrepreneur and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Tonye Princewill, who claimed that Buhari’s achievements in Sochi portends an early Christmas gift to Nigerians also foresee the creation of jobs and more jobs from the trips of that singular visit. He declared thus in his writeup:

“As I scrolled down the 13 different agreements that were reached, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride at the amount of effort and teamwork that must have preceded the visit and the different areas of the country and the economy impacted by them. My single biggest emotion though was relief. Because of the top three priorities we need as a country which are Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. I see millions of jobs from this visit alone. But as with so many agreements, meetings, summits and presidential visits, follow up is key. With a new cabinet that has results to deliver and a more collaborative legislature however, I see few challenges to a positive outcome.”

The gains were a product of Buhari’s carefully mapped trip which provided opportunity to hold bilateral talks on the side with the Russian President, Vladmir Putin, and like a choreographed displayed, all the propositions of Buhari and his team received a clear nod from the Russian leader, including co-organizing the fifth Joint Commission meeting to review and ratify all the agreements (about 40) contained in the Intergovernmental Nigeria-Russia Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Protocol of November 11, 2016.

Buhari’s achievements from the Sochi-Russia trip can be itemised as follows:

Revamping of the abandoned Ajaokuta steel Plant

Buhari specifically requested that Russia and Nigeria enter a partnership on a government-to-government basis for the revival of the multi-million dollar plant, and received a clearance to the effect. It is worthy of note that the Ajaokuta Steel plant has defiled every attempt to put it to work by successive governments ever since it was initiated by the Alhaji Shehu Shagari government many decades ago. The project has gulped millions of dollars in its wake, and still remained comatose.

On the protracted Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa-Ibom State, President Buhari said that he had asked the Ministry of Justice “to submit a comprehensive report on the UC Russel (the Russian owners of the plant) matter…I want to assure you that the aim of our reforms is to ensure such investments are concluded and actualized in a professional and painless manner.”

Enhancing the Country’s huge gas potential and infrastructure

Another huge economic gain of Buhari’s trip to Russia and parley with the Russian president was the acceptance of Russia to play a significant role in further developing Nigeria’s huge oil and gas industry.

Consequently, Russia will help revive Nigeria’s moribund oil refineries through the establishment of a framework for a joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Russia-based leading oil company, Lukoil. Russia will also explore some of Nigeria’s oil in the deep offshore.

Nigeria and Russia also agreed to revive and solidify the venture between the NNPC and Russia’s gas giant, Gazprom, in order to develop Nigeria’s enormous gas potential and infrastructure

Rehabilitation of the Nigeria’s Rail transport sector

Agreement was also reached to the effect that Russia will assist to develop Nigeria’s rail infrastructure by constructing a 1,400km rail line from Lagos to the South-south city of Calabar in Cross River State.

Security and Military Cooperation

President Buhari agreed to renew the Nigeria-Russia Military Technical Agreement which had lapsed within a short time, saying: “I have directed the Minister of Defence to work with the Ministry of Justice to conclude this matter within the shortest possible time.”

The military deal is expected to foster cooperation in direct procurement of military hardware on a government-to-government basis at a lower cost. In the same vein, Russia will train Nigeria’s military personnel and modernize its armed forces. Putin’s Russia also promised Nigeria aid in equipment and infrastructure for the military.

Education and Agriculture

Both presidents also agreed to enter a partnership on education and agriculture. The Russian leader said his country will award more scholarships to Nigerians.

Establishment of Nuclear Power Plant

Talks were also finalized on the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Nigeria. Putin agreed that the next step in the implementation of the project should be the construction of the plant.

In his humble assessment of facts, President Buhari understood the place of both countries in the scheme of affairs, saying that Nigeria though has a lot of similarities with Russia, has so much from the world super power

Buhari said: “There are many similarities between Russia’s journey and your leadership and Nigeria’s aspirations for the future. We can learn a lot from the experience of Russia’s ongoing reforms and transitioning from an oil dependent economy to a modern, diversified and inclusive economy.”

In all, the Buhari was able to get his Russian counterpart to agree to return to negotiation table to fast track the completion of all abandoned projects which the two countries had signed to do.

In addition, President Buhari hinted on the need to improve the United Nations Security Council and called for the Russian leader’s support in Nigeria’s push to become a permanent member of the council.

Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

2 weeks 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 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.