Boss Picks

Jewel Howard-Taylor: An African Amazon Celebrates at 62

Published

11 months ago

January 18, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Most Aftrican women qualify for unending celebration at every stage of their existence. They have written their names in gold, traversed barriers to stand out among a comity of achievers. Among such women is West Africa’s first female Vice President, Mrs. Jewel Howard-Taylor, who just clock 62 years.

An African of no mean ability, whose interest in the unity if the West African sub-region has remained one of her strongest point strengths as African politics and development continue to thrive. Her excellent performance has seen to emergence of another female Vice President in the region.

Born Jewel Cianeh Howard on January 17, 1963, the amiable politician of Liberian descent has practically done everything well, including being married to former warlord and president, Charles Taylor from 1997 to 2006 during which time, she showcased herself as most sought after Firstlady of the country, and in the West African sub-region.

Often revered as a Chief, Mrs Howard-Taylor is a proud daughter of Bong County, and born to the Royal Household of Kerkula Giddings of Sanoyea District. She was raised as a child on the Phebe Hospital Compound under the watch of her loving parents, Mr. Moses Y. Howard and Mrs. Nora Giddings-Howard, both of whom were enviable professional Health Workers who died in service to the people of Bong County, and are buried at the Phebe Compound.

Undeterred in her quest to be the best she can be, the 30th vice president of Liberia, who served from 2018 to 2024, Mrs Howard-Taylor has had an enviable political trajectory. In 2005, she was elected to the Senate of Liberia for Bong County as a member of the National Patriotic Party, and was Chair of the Senate Health and Social Welfare Committee on Gender, Women and Children

During the presidency of her husband, she held several official posts in the Liberian government, including Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Liberia (forerunner to the current Central Bank of Liberia), President of the Agriculture Cooperative and Development Bank (ACDB) and Mortgage Financing Underwriter of the First Union National Bank. In addition, she focused on educational, health, and social projects. These are positions she merited by qualification, dint of hard work and her goal-getting abilities other than privilege.

Mrs Howard-Taylor is not a run-of-the-mill administrator. She is well seasoned; educationally, career wise and experience. In the first instance, she holds a graduate degree in bmBanking and two bachelors in Banking and Economics, and presently a student in the MBA programme at Cuttington University in Liberia.It is worthy of note that on December 21, 2011, she graduated from the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law of the state-owned University of Liberia, and is known to have been announced at one time as the new holder of the title “Madam Suakoko”, an honorary Bong County title memorializing the namesake of the Suakoko District.

In February 2012, Jewel, as very close friends call her, attempted to introduce legislation into the Liberian parliament that would have made homosexual activity a first-degree felony carrying the death penalty as the maximum punishment. Though the legislation was not passed after President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said she would not sign any such bill, it became a plus for her Africanism and as a champion of sustaining African culture.

In 2017, Taylor was chosen by George Weah as his running mate on the newly formed Coalition (CDC) ticket. Following a runoff in late 2017, she became the first female Vice President of Liberia when her party won the elections.

A strong grass root strategist, Jewel has either served or currently serving in different high profile capacities, including

Chairperson, Women Legislative Caucus of Liberia
Chairperson, Education and Public Administration,
Co-Chairpersonon Planning & Development Committee;
Memberof the Joint Legislative Modernization Committee;
Member, Committee on Judiciary;
Member, Committee on Autonomous Commissions;
Member, Committee on Defense, Intelligence, Security, Veteran Affairs;
Member, Committee on Internal Affairs, Good Governance & Reconciliation;
Member, Committee on Gender, Health, Social Welfare, Women & Children’s Affairs

She has also held or is holding Memberships in many Organizations, key amongst which are the following:

Chair, Board of Trustees, Restoration Baptist Church, Oldest Congo Town
Deaconess, Restoration Baptist Church, Oldest Congo Town
Member, Bong County Bar Association
Member, Bong County Women Association
Vice President, Board of Trustees, University of Liberia
Liberia’s Goodwill Ambassador on HIV/AIDS
Member, Liberian National Red Cross
Member, Liberian Rural Women Association
Member, YWCA
Member, Liberia Girls Guide Association
Member, Greater Monrovia Lions Club of Liberia

Mrs Howard-Taylor has also been a recipient of many accolades, Laurels and Awards from Local, National and International Organizations, ranging from humanitarian awards to outstanding Leadership awards.

NATIONAL AWARDS:

Women Activist Award, (2016) for her role in gender advocacy and empowerment,
The Nation’s highest honor as Knight Great Dame, Order of the Most Venerable Order of the Pioneers in 2005; granted to her by Former President Charles G. Taylor for her service to the Nation as the 21^st First Lady of Liberia;
The First Female to be given the Distinguished Traditional Title of Venerable Chief in the National Traditional Council of Liberia in 2011, a Chieftaincy title conferred on her by Traditional Chiefs and Elders of Bong County for her role in sponsoring the a bill which created the National Traditional Council of Liberia; and in full recognition of her exemplary Services to the people of Bong, yea Liberia;
The Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Presidential Recognition Award for Humanitarian Services and contribution to Youth Development in Liberia from the (AAW Peace) African & American Women in 2011;
Senator of the Year, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 from various organizations;
The National Excellence Award for National Service in 2011;
The National Excellence Award for Philanthropy in 2009;

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:

The Pan African Award on Leadership Excellence & Women Empowerment, an Humanitarian Award 2016;
Woman of the Year, 2016, West African Philanthropist Organization;
Women Activist Award, 2016
West Africa Philanthropy Awards as Woman of the Year, 2016
2^nd Chance International Award as a Woman of Distinction 2015, New York City USA;
(ECOWAS) ECOFEPA Good Will Ambassador, Abuja, Nigeria; 2015;
Women Advancement Forum Award in recognition of her contribution to the Emancipation, Motivation and Advancement of Women of the World; 2014, Gambia.
The Outstanding African Women Achievers Award, as African Mentor and Role Model 2013, from the African Women Leadership Organization(AWLO), in Nigeria;
An African Leadership Award, as Outstanding African Female Leader of the Year 2012 from the African Leadership Award, in Dubai;
An Excellence Award in Recognition of her Advocacy for the Rights and Empowerment of women from the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO) in 2012, in Nigeria

At 62, Mrs Howard-Taylor is far from spent. She is as agile as ever; as passionate to render humanitarian assistance as ever and as rearing to deliver projects as ever. She is the stock required for a formidable and true African Renaissance, and is poised to take the continent to the next level.

Additional information: The Executive Mansion

Boss Picks

The Incredible World of Capt. Segun Sotomi @45

Published

2 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

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

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.