President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, effective immediately.
In a statement Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy) Bayo Onanuga said Sotinrin brings extensive experience from both the private and public sectors. He previously served as Group CEO of SAO Group, where he spearheaded major agribusiness initiatives, including a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava projects in Ondo State.
As head of SAO Capital, he facilitated over $750 million in infrastructure financing, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.
His public service record includes serving as Special Adviser (Environment & Urban Development) to the Minister of State FCT (2011–2015) and consulting for global organizations like the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID. His international experience spans roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency.
A graduate of Said Business School, Oxford University, Sotinrin holds an Executive MBA, an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation, and a Master’s in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.
His appointment aligns with the Tinubu administration’s agenda to revamp Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “Mr. Sotinrin’s ability to mobilize capital, drive agribusiness innovation, and foster cross-sector collaboration will be instrumental in repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a catalyst for food security and rural prosperity,” President Tinubu stated.
