Boss Picks

COVID-19: Nigerian Billionaires Lead Rescue Mission

Published

6 years ago

March 28, 2020

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

This may not be the best of times for the world in general and Nigeria in particular as the Coronavirus disease codenamed COVID-19 continues its rampaging spread across the length and breath of the universe, hitting Nigeria as of 11:59pm Thursday night with 81 confirmed positive cases.

The country, which had 70 confirmed positive cases late Thursday added 11 more cases with, as expected the highest chunk coming from Lagos in the ratio of 8:2:1 covering Lagos, Enugu and Edo respectively.

Consequently, good spirited countrymen have rallied round the Federal Government to provide succour in terms of cash and materials in the fight to contain the spread of the disease whose influence is expected to rise in the coming days.

Leading the onslaught, the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has released a N5 billion (about $13 million) special intervention fund to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC),

which has been at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic, collating numbers and responding to suspected cases of the virus. It also released N10 billion to the Lagos State government, which is the hardest hit with about 52 confirmed positive cases.

Still working under the Federal Government, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has also doled out N11 billion to counter the spread of the virus, which has practically brought superpower nations like the United States of America (USA), Italy and others to their knees.

With the right the Buhari administration took, privileged Nigerians have stepped up their games, doling out billions of naira to help curtail and eventual stop the spread of the pandemic. The donations were not limited to individuals but also corporate and religious organisations in either cash or materials as follows:

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA)

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) announced a donation of N5 billion (about $13 million) to provide beds for isolation centers, intensive care unit facilities and direct access to medical advice to up to 450,000 citizens every day. In his statement while making the donation, the chairman of the bank, Mr. Tony Elumelu said

“This global pandemic must bring citizens, governments and business leaders together, and quickly. As we see a rapidly increasing number of cases of the coronavirus in Nigeria and Africa, the private sector has to work hand in hand with various governments, in stemming the spread of the global pandemic.”

Elumelu’s donation however, cuts across several African countries.

In a release by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari applauded generous Nigerians including FEMI OTEDOLA, ABDULSAMAD RABIU, HERBERT WIGWE, SEGUN AGBAJE and ALIKO DANGOTE, who contributed N1 billion (about $2.7 million) each to support the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

In addition, Wigwe’s Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s biggest lender by assets, is teaming up with Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote to provide treatment and isolation centers across the country.

The facilities, which will be located across the country with a total of 1,000 beds, will be ready within weeks, and will have Chinese experts and serve as testing, isolation, treatment and training centers.

Also, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) led by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has donated a complete facility comprising test kits, ventilators and many more.

In the same vein, Union Bank, backed by Atlas Mara, has also partnered with 54gene, a U.S.-based genetic research company, using a $500,000 funding facility to increase COVID-19 testing capacity in Nigeria to 1,000 daily. 54gene launched the testing support fund with $150,000 to secure instruments and protective equipment needed to keep health-care workers safe. The company aims to increase rate of testing in Nigeria to 5,000 tests daily working with other partners.

Other donors include Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who doled out an initial N50 million while calling on the government to pay Nigerians stipend to keep body and soul together while the lockdown in effect lasted, and hip hop artist, Tuface Idibia, who gave N10 million.

Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre,So donated some safety items and medical equipment to the Primary Health Care Centre, Lugbe, FCT, to support efforts to check the spread of the coronavirus scourge.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 81 cases of the virus, including one death and three discharges. There are fears that the spread could become uncontrollable in the coming days as going by the ministry of Health’s statement that less than 500 people have been tested and the government is tracing 4,370 persons that have made some contact with confirmed virus cases.

Earlier Chinese billionaire industrialist, Jack Ma, had sent millions of relief materials to African countries of which Nigeria got a deserved share.

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.