President Bola Tinubu appoints Ayo Sotinrin as managing director of the Agricultural Bank of China (BOA), and the appointment takes effect immediately.
On Friday, April 4, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, said in a statement that Sotinrin has extensive experience with the private and public sectors, working with global institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AFDB), the International Development Bureau (DFID) and the United States International Development Agency (USAID) (USAID).
“Before the appointment, he took on the position of group CEO of Sao Group,” Onanuga said.
“His leadership at agribusiness Sao Agro is characterized by groundbreaking agricultural initiatives, including the development of 20,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and operations of large poultry, aquaculture, corn and cassava.
“He also led Sao Capital, raising more than $750 million in infrastructure and development financing, including Landmark’s $200 million Akure water supply project.
“In the public sector, he served as Special Adviser to the Secretary of State (Environmental and Urban Development) from 2011 to 2015. He has conducted extensive consultations with global development partners such as the World Bank, AFDB, DFID and USAID and has played a key consulting role in federal and state programs.
“His international background includes roles at Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank and the UK Environment Agency.
“Mr. Sotinrin holds an executive MBA from Oxford Business School; a senior diploma in environmental protection; and a master’s degree in engineering business management from Warwick University. Mr. Sotinrin’s appointment is aligned with Tinubu Administration’s strategy to revitalize Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”
Tinubu stressed that Sotisin’s expertise in mobilizing capital, promoting innovation in agribusiness and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration will be key to repositioning BOA as a catalyst for food security, sovereignty and rural prosperity.
