TINUBU APPOINTS AYO SOTINRIN AS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately. Mr. Sotinrin brings a diverse and extensive background in the private and public sectors to his new role. The appointment was announced in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Onanuga stated that Mr. Sotinrin’s appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Mr. Sotinrin’s leadership experience includes serving as Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group, where he developed groundbreaking agricultural initiatives, including a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation in Ondo State. Before his appointment, Mr. Sotinrin also led SAO Capital, raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance. His public sector experience includes serving as Special Adviser (Environment & Urban Development) to the Minister of State FCT from 2011 to 2015. Onanuga noted that Mr. Sotinrin has consulted extensively for global development partners and played key advisory roles on federal and state-level projects. Mr. Sotinrin holds an Executive MBA from Said Business School, Oxford University, and has worked internationally with organizations such as the Royal Bank of Scotland International and Deutsche Bank. Bayo Onanuga stated that Mr. Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilize capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture. Onanuga quoted President Tinubu as saying, “Mr. Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilise capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a catalyst for food security, sovereignty and rural prosperity.” Onanuga further emphasized that Mr. Sotinrin’s appointment is a significant step towards achieving the administration’s goals in the agricultural sector. Bayo Onanuga concluded by stating that the President is confident in Mr. Sotinrin’s ability to drive growth and innovation in the sector.