The Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s largest electricity distribution company, Folake Soetan was thrown into a jubilant mood on Wednesday November 5, 2025 as she marks another birthday in style.
A post on the company’s social media platform which commemorated the CEO’s birthday anniversary says:
“Today, we celebrate our phenomenal Amazon of exemplary leadership Folake Soetan.
“This special day is a testament to her visionary guidance, unwavering dedication, and the remarkable impact she continues to make across our organization. Her leadership radiates excellence, inspiring every member of the Ikeja Electric family to embody integrity, innovation, and purpose in all we do.
“Here’s to a new year filled with divine fulfilment, extraordinary accomplishments, and continued success as you keep lighting the path of progress and empowerment.”
Her husband an accomplished legal practitioner, Laolu Soetan also joined in celebrating his better half in the well curated surprise moment which literally left her awestruck.
Folake joined Ikeja Electric in 2015 as Deputy Chief Commercial Officer and quickly rose to the role of Chief Commercial Officer within a year. In that capacity, she led efforts to address some of the company’s longstanding operational challenges, including energy theft, customer billing complaints, and poor revenue collection. Her work reduced commercial and collection losses and helped lay the foundation for broader reforms.
By 2019, the businesswoman was appointed Chief Operating Officer, a role that expanded her oversight to technical operations and distribution efficiency. In that capacity, power supply within the Ikeja Electric franchise reportedly improved from an average of 12 hours to approximately 16 hours daily in some areas. She also oversaw the implementation of the Bilateral Power Initiative, a Willing-Buyer-Willing-Seller scheme that offered select customers up to 20 hours of electricity through a direct supply arrangement.
In March 2020, Folake Soetan was named CEO, becoming the first woman to lead the company since its inception. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in an industry where leadership roles have traditionally been male-dominated.
Under her supervision, Ikeja Electric has continued to drive initiatives to enhance service delivery and promote operational transparency. The company has introduced smart distribution transformers and e-billing systems to modernise its infrastructure and improve customer engagement.
Soetan’s leadership is distinguished by her strong advocacy for gender inclusion in the energy sector. As a founding Women in Energy Network (WIEN) member, she has championed internal policies that empower and advance women professionally. Under her guidance, Ikeja Electric was honoured as the “Most Gender Diverse Utility Company” at the Nigeria Power Sector Awards in 2022.
In 2024, Soetan received two notable recognitions: the Outstanding Woman in Energy (Power Sector) award from the Women in Maritime & Energy Awards (WIME), and “The CEO Award” at the 65th International Safety Awards organised by the British Safety Council—acknowledging her role in improving workplace safety standards within the power sector.
Folake Soetan continues to champion growth in Ikeja Electric through strategic leadership, technological innovation, and inclusive governance.
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