The Federal Government has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Bank of Agriculture, charging members to work harmoniously and diligently with utmost fidelity to the nation in advancing the bank’s mandate.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Communications Personnel, Office of the Managing Director of the bank, Abimbola Otepola-Ishaku, and made available to our correspondent on Saturday.

According to the statement, the constitution of the 10-man board is aimed at reinforcing corporate governance and setting the stage for renewed strategic leadership at the Federal Government-owned financial institution.

The statement said the inauguration was conducted by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. It added that the new board is expected to strengthen the bank’s role in driving agricultural development, food security, financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the inauguration, the minister urged the board members to “provide leadership that would support projects capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving the socio-economic well-being of Nigerian families.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Muhammad Babangida, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to working closely with management to reposition the bank as a leading development finance institution supporting the Federal Government’s priorities on food security, job creation and inclusive economic growth.

He said, “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.”

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ayodeji Sotinrin, in his remarks, said the bank remained committed to translating the board’s vision into measurable outcomes through stronger governance, improved access to agricultural finance and strategic partnerships that would empower farmers, agribusinesses and rural communities across the country.

Sotinrin added that with the new board, “the bank would intensify efforts to expand access to affordable agricultural credit, strengthen institutional governance and risk management.”

“The bank would also accelerate digital transformation and enhance its impact as Nigeria’s leading agricultural development finance institution,” the MD stressed.

The statement listed the newly inaugurated board members as Muhammad Babangida (Chairman), Ayodeji Sotinrin (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer), Fatima Garba (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hakeem Salami (Executive Director, Operations and IT).

Others, according to the statement, are Ka’amuna Khadi (Executive Director, Risk Management), Rabiu Funtua, Kpochi Iorgyer, Aminu Mohammed, Oladejo Odunuga and Charles Amuchienwa, all serving as Non-Executive Directors. (Saturday PUNCH)

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