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XO Boutique Bakery’s One Stop Destination for Excellent Food, Comfort, Freshness – Yomi Martins

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By Eric Elezuo

The best way to anyone’s heart is through his stomach. This is one philosophy that is well understood in the business of hospitality with special emphasis to food service. And one establishment has put it to absolute practice, XO Boutique Bakery.

Located in the highbrow Victoria Island, XO is another definition of a home away from home, delivering the best of confectionery, edibles and relaxation in the coziest of environments.

 

In this brief chat with one of the Managing Partners of the firm, Yomi Martins, The Boss learnt that the highly exclusive gourmet centre will officially present its expanded space on November 18 to the public, among many other juicy packages. The day, he stated is specially dedicated to customer appreciation and celebrattion of expansion.

Excerpts:

What is it like floating a talk of the town restaurant in the heart of Lagos 

It’s really a dream come true, and I am thrilled to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey that has led us to where we stand today, as we prepare to celebrate our grand opening on November 18th.

Can you trace the journey so far to this present stage

Sure… XO Boutique Bakery has evolved from a simple idea into a thriving haven for those who appreciate good food, quality coffee, and an ambiance that truly embraces the essence of café culture.

Our story began over five years ago when XO Boutique Bakery was but a dream in the minds of a passionate and determined team of founders. Chef Alex Oke, the driving force behind our culinary creations, initiated the journey as a catering company. However, he had a grand vision of expanding into a brick-and-mortar establishment that would always stay focused on quality. It is important to note that Chef Alex is the Managing Director.

So at what stage did you join, and what impact has that been ever since

With all sense of humility, the XO brand became a brick and mortar location when I joined the team, followed by my wife. What binds us together is a shared history of leaving Nigeria as children, only to return as adults in 2016 with a collective aspiration to create something extraordinary. We yearned to bring a piece of the world back with us, to provide a space where patrons could savor good food and coffee on par with international standards.

Yomi Martins

How has the restaurant fared since inception

In December 2017, the doors of our first physical location in Victoria Island opened, bringing to life a long-cherished dream. XO Bakery quickly filled a gap in the market, satisfying an underserved demand for quality baked goods in Lagos. Our journey from that point onwards was marked by steady growth, building a loyal following of customers who share our passion for exceptional cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

In 2022, we embarked on an exciting expansion journey. Moving to a larger space in the heart of commercial Victoria Island allowed us to increase our seating capacity from a humble 4-5 people to a more spacious 15, and our staff numbers grew from 5 to 12. This transformation allowed us to broaden our menu, introducing a diverse range of hot and cold drinks and prepared savory items.

It’s obvious you have created a lot of landmarks so far, but what is the newest in your kitty 

The prwsent year, 2023 marked another significant milestone as we secured additional space within our existing venue. Today, XO Bakery not only stands as a boutique bakery and café but also as a restaurant and bar, offering a welcoming environment for up to 50 patrons. Our team has expanded to include approximately 20 dedicated staff members, and we now have the capacity to host events, private gatherings, exhibitions, and pop-ups.

Your growth came with diversification. Mention some of the areas of latest discovery

Diversifying our services, we’ve ventured into the art of cake-making for birthdays, weddings, and special occasions, and our B2B contract baking has flourished, serving a broader clientele base.

As we prepare for our grand opening on November 18th, we invite the general public to join us in celebrating our journey and our new space, and continue to enjoy the delicacy that can only be XO.

What message do you have for your teeming customers and would-be customers out there

We look forward to showing our appreciation to all of you, our valued customers, and to sharing our continued commitment to providing an unparalleled experience at XO Boutique Bakery. Ours is a promise of goodness and assured taste, and delivery of goodness and assured taste.

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Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

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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!

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Meet Muhammad Ashfaq Hussain, CEO at Profound Realtors

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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. 

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

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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.

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