Sotinrin was Special Adviser on Environment and Urban Development to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
By Saidu Idris
365Daily – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Mr. Ayo Sotinrin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, with immediate effect.
Sotinrin, a seasoned professional with experience in both the private and public sectors, is expected to spearhead efforts to rrevitalise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Before his appointment, he served as the Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group, where he oversaw innovative agricultural initiatives. His tenure at SAO Agro saw the development of a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation as well as large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.
Additionally, he led SAO Capital in raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance, including the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project.
In the public sector, Sotinrin was Special Adviser on Environment and Urban Development to the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2011 to 2015. He has also consulted for global development organisations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), Department for International Development (DFID), and USAID.
His international experience includes roles at the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency.
Announcing the appointment, President Tinubu highlighted Sotinrin’s expertise in mobilizing capital and driving agribusiness innovation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Sotinrin holds an Executive MBA from the Said Business School, Oxford University, an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Conservation, and a Master’s in Engineering Business Management from Warwick University.
His appointment is in line with the administration’s broader strategy to enhance food production and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.