Tag: FAQs

Sahara Group’s role concerning the newspaper publication that the company was involved in the sale of DPK as Aviation Fuel.

There was a publication in the Nation Newspaper of December 20, 2011relating to allegations that Sahara Group was involved in the sale of DPK as Aviation Fuel.

Sahara Group in a rejoinder through its lawyers sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on December 22, 2011 provided clear explanations on these allegations and all the necessary documents relating to operations in the Aviation business were submitted to the NCAA, the SSS and the DPR who investigated these allegations and found that the allegations against Sahara Group were unfounded.

Please click on the link DPK False Allegations to access the details.

The role of one of Sahara Group’s Director as a special assistance to the president in Nigeria’s recent democratic process.

 In 1999, one of the Directors of Sahara Group Mr. Tope Shonubi was invited to serve his country under the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr. Tope Shonubi served as a Special Adviser on Youths Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2003. During the period, he resigned his appointment as a director in Sahara Group. His role entailed the collaboration with the Youth’s Ministry as well as the Presidency, in the development of national policy and strategy on job creation, economic empowerment for the development of and growth of entrepreneurship, SMEs and youth development nationwide.

Some his functions during the time include the following

• Liaised with the Youth Ministry and the Presidency, serving as a primary point of contact in the development of national policy and strategy on job creation, economic empowerment for the development and growth of entrepreneurship
• Prepared briefing memos and background research to prepare the President for engagements on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Supported the President’s media activity with respect to youth development and

empowerment.

• Worked with the Ministries of Youths & Sports, and Labor & Productivity on strategy for growth of SMEs and youth development.
• Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the President on youths, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature and advise on appropriate course of action.
• Coordinated special projects on youth empowerment throughout the Federation, on behalf of the President.
• Worked closely with the Presidency to keep well informed of upcoming commitments and coordinate events.
• Liaison with Non-Governmental Organizations, student bodies and tertiary
• Worked with the Presidency on International investment initiatives with a focus on ensuring an enabling environment was created, bureaucratic red tape reduced, and efficiency increased.
• Performed other duties as assigned by the President and Chief of

QUESTION/ISSUE

 There are allegations that Ambassador Dele Cole’s meritorious service to his country has been beneficial to the growth and business relationships that were developed by Sahara Group because his son Tonye Cole is a Director of the company.

SAHARA’S POSITION

 Over the years, there have been questions suggesting that Ambassador Dele Cole who served our country meritoriously as an Ambassador to Brazil from 1987 to 1990, and as a Senior Special Adviser on Internal Affairs under President Olusegun Obasanjo between 1999 and 2001 has influenced the growth of the Sahara Group.

It is important to state on behalf of Sahara Group and Mr. Tonye Cole as follows;

Mr. Tonye Cole has been independent of his parents since he graduated as an architect in 1990 and moved to Brazil. His father served for just shy of 2 years in President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government from 1999 to 2001 as a Senior Special Adviser on Internal affairs. At no time before, during or after his father’s service to Nigeria was he involved, being a part, remotely or otherwise, connected to the business of Sahara.

Mr. Tonye Cole has not in any way benefitted, been aided, abetted or influenced by his father’s time in government neither have he or any of the partners of Sahara received any contracts as a result of his father’s time in government.

Mr. Dele Cole’s service to the government of Nigeria was meritorious. Tonye Cole is proud of his father’s service to Nigeria and the fact that his father has maintained a good name before, during and after his involvement in the public sector. His father is now retired and is a well-respected senior statesman in Nigeria, spending his time writing books and articles, most of which can be found online. While his father’s time of service has placed on Mr. Tonye Cole the tag of a Politically Exposed Person (PEP), he remains proud of his father’s untainted and meritorious service to Nigeria.

How did the owners of the Sahara Group come across the resources which they have used in building the business over the last twenty years?

The Sahara story provides detailed information about the history of Sahara Group’s formative years and the growth process that transformed the organization from entrepreneurship powered by the dream of its three founders to the conglomerate the Sahara Group is today.

Please click on the Sahara Story link to access the details.

In line with Sahara Group’s Corporate Governance and Compliance policy, we reaffirm our resolve to uphold accountability and transparency in all our operations and would periodically update our FAQs to provide information on our operations. However, this would be without prejudice or compromise on contractual obligations with our business partners.

 Sahara Group’s role in the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) investigation in the allegations that the company was incorrectly paid for the Supply of crude

The allegations bordered on the fact that Sahara Group was incorrectly paid for the supply of Crude Oil to Tema Oil Refinery. This was thoroughly investigated by the Ghanaian authorities and upon completion of their investigations, it was confirmed that Sahara Group were the legitimate suppliers of the crude and had been correctly paid for the supply made, further Sahara employees were invited by the Ghanaian authorities to testify against the perpetrators in a criminal matter.

Please click on the TOR Crude Supply to access the details.