Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately, according to a statement from his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
Sotinrin, an experienced leader with a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, takes over the role with a clear mandate to drive growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Prior to his appointment, Sotinrin was the Group Chief Executive Officer of SAO Group. During his tenure at SAO Agro, he was instrumental in establishing large-scale agricultural projects, including a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and expansive poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.
In addition to his private sector achievements, Sotinrin has held key positions in the public sector, serving as Special Adviser on Environment and Urban Development to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory from 2011 to 2015. His work extended to global development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID, where he provided expert consultation on various projects at both federal and state levels.
Sotinrin’s appointment is seen as a significant step in President Tinubu’s broader strategy to rejuvenate Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The statement emphasized that Sotinrin’s track record of capital mobilization, agribusiness innovation, and his collaborative approach across sectors will play a crucial role in positioning the Bank of Agriculture as a driving force behind Nigeria’s efforts toward food security, sovereignty, and rural prosperity.
A highly accomplished professional, Sotinrin holds an Executive MBA from Said Business School, Oxford University, an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation, and a Master’s in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University. His appointment signals the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape and ensuring sustainable development in the sector.
