President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately. Sotinrin brings a diverse and extensive background in the private and public sectors to his new role. According to a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, before the appointment, he held the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group. His leadership at SAO Agro, an agribusiness company, was marked by groundbreaking agricultural initiatives, including developing a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State. He also led SAO Capital, raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance, including the landmark $200 million Akure Water Supply Project. RELATED Benue Community Seeks Action Against Kidnapping Benue Community Seeks Action Against Kidnapping 8 minutes ago JUST-IN: Popular Bauchi Islamic Cleric, Idris Abdul’aziz, Is Dead Tinubu Mourns Bauchi Islamic Cleric Idris Dutsen Tanshi 39 minutes ago In the public sector, he served as Special Adviser (Environment & Urban Development) to the Minister of State FCT from 2011 to 2015. He has consulted extensively for global development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID and played key advisory roles on federal and state-level projects. His international background includes roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency. Mr. 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. Mr Sotinrin’s appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “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,” President Tinubu emphasised

Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately. Sotinrin, a seasoned professional with experience in both the private and public sectors, is expected to drive reforms in the agricultural finance sector.

A statement from presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga highlighted Sotinrin’s leadership at SAO Group, where he spearheaded major agribusiness initiatives. His projects included a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.

Sotinrin’s financial expertise is also notable. As head of SAO Capital, he facilitated over $750 million in infrastructure funding, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project. His experience spans global institutions like the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID, as well as international banks such as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Deutsche Bank.

His public sector record includes serving as Special Adviser on Environment & Urban Development to the Minister of State for the FCT from 2011 to 2015. His academic credentials include an Executive MBA from Oxford University and a Master’s in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.

The Tinubu administration sees Sotinrin’s appointment as a crucial step in revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The government aims to enhance food security and rural prosperity through strategic agricultural financing.

“Mr. Sotinrin’s proven ability to mobilize capital, innovate in agribusiness, and collaborate across sectors will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture,” President Tinubu stated.