Boss Picks

Bala Mohammed: A Governor and His Many Achievements at 65

Published

2 years ago

October 7, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

He is one of the few performers in the new dispensation. He is the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who just celebrated a landmark age of 65.

Born October 5, 1958, Bala Mohammed, as he is simply called, is on the second lap of his tenure, having served Bauchi State since 2019.

Prior to becoming governor of Bauchi State, he was minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2010 to 2015, and Senator for Bauchi South senatorial district from 2007 to 2010. Presently, he is a ranking member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The governor began his educational pursuit in 1965 at Duguri Primary School, Bauchi where he obtained a first leaving certificate in 1971. Thereafter, he attended Government School Bauchi and obtained his West African School Certificate in 1975.

He went further to obtain his advanced level testimonial in 1979 from North East College of Art and Science before proceeding to the University of Maiduguri for a Bachelor of Arts degree

Bala Mohammed began his civil service experience as an administrative officer at the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs where he served until 1994 when he moved over to the Presidency [Cabinet Secretariat] as the Principal Administration Officer. Bala Mohammed’s rise through the civil service ranks was rapid. Between 1995 and 2005, he rose being the Chief Supplies Officer at the federal Ministry of Solid Minerals – to assistant director at the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel – to Deputy Director/SA to Honorable Minister at the Federal Ministry of Transport – to Director of Administration at the Nigerian Railway Corporations – to Special Assistant to the Honorable Minister of Aviation – to Director of Administration and Supplies at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. He voluntarily retired from civil service at the level of a director and joined politics.

In 2007, Bala Mohammed contested and won the election to serve the people of South Senatorial zone in Bauchi State at the capacity of a senator under the party platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He served till 2010. While at the senate chamber, he became one of the foremost outspoken legislators in Nigeria, sitting as member of eight Committees vis a vis Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Secretary, Northern Senators Forum. Other committees include Communication, Finance, Public Account, Rules and Business, Environment, Labor and Productivity.

Bala Mohammed is credited for being a vocal advocate for the introduction of the Doctrine of Necessity, which saw former President Goodluck Jonathan, becoming Acting President following the undisclosed illness of late president

As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he brought extensive reforms. Among the reforms were the sanitization of the land administration of the FCT, comprehensive expansion of the major road access Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport road to the International Airport in Abuja, the construction of the Kubwa expressway, the rail track from Abuja to Kaduna, and the Idu rail station. He also introduced the land swap policy where land was used as a resource to fast track infrastructural development in the FCT.

The Bala Mohammed FCT administration oversaw the installation of solar panel traffic lights. Other projects executed include the aggressive development of satellite towns, the completion of the Usama Dam Water project. Also, his administration instituted innovations that served as bedrock of financial stability and employment opportunities – such as the FCT Internal Revenue Board, the Outdoor Advertising (Signage) Agency and the FCTA Emergency Services.

On assumption of office as the Governor of Bauchi State in 2019, Mohammed streamlined government processes and protocols and recovered lost and/or stolen government properties including monies. He also launched the exercise to rid the Bauchi State civil service of ghost workers.

Some Achievements Credited to Bala Mohammed

Bala Mohammed acted to begin the sanitization exercise by setting up a committee on Bank Verification Number (BVN) and authentication of civil servants on its payroll. The exercise immediately netted gains for the Bauchi people. This is as the Bauchi State Government removed 1115 employees from the payroll and saved N763,792,664.007. The committee which received a total of 279 petitions, complaints and whistle blower exposés, federal allocations, local and international loans, aids, grants, donations and other interventions, from primary and secondary sources – discovered the administrations of Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abubakar had looted state owned properties and monies valued in the hundreds of billions of the past years.

Revamping Healthcare: The Bala Mohammed administration in Bauchi State launched a major campaign to revamp and upgrade the healthcare delivery systems in the State. His administration began with healthcare infrastructure. Within the first two years, 323 primary healthcare centers were either constructed, renovated, upgraded and fully equipped across the rural communities under the BASG/NSHIP program. Within the same two-year period, the Bala Mohammed administration constructed, renovated, upgraded and fully equipped secondary healthcare centers such as the General Hospitals located across the various local government areas [LGAs] – ranging from construction of new General Hospital at Warji, Warji LGA, construction of new General Hospital at Dambam, Dambam LGA, construction of new cottage at Yelwan Duguri, and others spread across the LGAs of Bauchi State.

Revolution in Road Construction: In his three years as the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has constructed over 250 km – and has already began the process of constructing more roads into the rural communities and farmlands. Ongoing road construction of Burga to Yalwan – Duguri to Yashi is 68.4 km. It links Tafawa Balewa LGA and Alkaleri LGA. Itas to Gadau road is 24.5 km. Bulkachuwa to Udubo road is 36 km abandoned by Mohammed Abubakar, the former governor. Udubo to Gamawa road is 25 km, a federal road being renovated by Bala Mohammed administration. It was also abandoned by Mohammed Abubakar. Bisina township road is 3.8 km – its a town in Katagum senatorial zone. Sade township road is 2.8 km. Sade to Akuyam town is 16.8 km. Bununu township road is 2.8 km. Within the capital city – dualization of Kano road – from Awalah roundabout to airport – 22 km. Dualization of Maiduguri road from Awalah roundabout to Bauchi university in Yuli campus – 14 km. Dualization of Jos road from Total filling station in Bauchi metropolis to Dungal village about 12 km. Newly constructed road commissioned by President Jonathan is 6.4 km in Bauchi metropolis named after Goodluck E. Jonathan. Total renovation of Adamu Jumba road about 1 km. Another road – Ibrahim bako estate road commissioned by Abubakar Atiku – and named after him – 4.8km9.

Housing: In the same spirit of upgrading the lives of the people of Bauchi to acceptable levels of living, the Governor embarked on a 1,500 Housing Estate at Dungal. This is in addition to the ongoing construction of the Bauchi Hajj Camp. His administration has sunk 1046 solar powered and handpump boreholes across the State. The upgrade of the Gubi Dam Water Treatment Plant and the Water Reservoir, near Zaranda Hotel – are both projects that have neared completion.

It will be wrong to state categorically that Bala Mohammed is one of the governors, who came, saw, and is still conquering.

Happy birthday sir!

Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

6 days 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

6 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

2 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.