By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has tasked the newly inaugurated Board of Directors of the Bank of Agriculture with expanding access to agricultural finance and strengthening the institution’s role in driving food security, job creation and rural economic development.
The 10-member board, inaugurated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, is expected to provide strategic leadership to reposition the government-owned development finance institution.
Kyari urged the board to work collaboratively in supporting initiatives capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of Nigerians through increased investment in agriculture.
Board Chairman Muhammad Babangida said the new leadership would focus on transforming the Bank of Agriculture into a stronger development finance institution aligned with the Federal Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“The inauguration represents more than the constitution of a new board. It marks a renewed commitment to strengthening the Bank and positioning it to deliver greater impact in support of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation,” he said.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Ayodeji Sotinrin said the bank would prioritise expanding affordable agricultural credit, improving governance, strengthening risk management and accelerating digital transformation.
He added that the institution would also deepen strategic partnerships to improve access to finance for farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities across the country.
The new board comprises Muhammad Babangida as Chairman; Ayodeji Sotinrin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer; Fatima Garba, Executive Director, Corporate Services; Hakeem Salami, Executive Director, Operations and IT; Ka’amuna Khadi, Executive Director, Risk Management; and Non-Executive Directors Rabiu Funtua, Kpochi Iorgyer, Aminu Mohammed, Oladejo Odunuga and Charles Amuchienwa.
