FG inaugurates BOA board, charges members to drive food security, job creation

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to reinforce corporate governance and set the stage for renewed strategic leadership at the country’s foremost agricultural development finance institution.

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

This was contained in a statement issued by Communications Personnel, Office of the Managing Director, BOA, Abimbola Otepola-Ishaku, on Friday.

According to the statement, the newly constituted 10-member Board will provide strategic oversight as the Bank continues to deliver on its mandate of supporting Nigeria’s agricultural sector through accessible financing, empowering rural communities and promoting sustainable economic development.

The minister charged members of the Board to work harmoniously, diligently and with utmost fidelity to the nation in advancing the Bank’s mandate as a critical development finance institution.

The Board was also urged to provide leadership that would support projects capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving the socio-economic well-being of Nigerian families.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chairman of the Board, Muhammad Babangida, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working closely with the 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: “Today’s 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, 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 Board now fully constituted, the Bank would intensify efforts to expand access to affordable agricultural credit, strengthen institutional governance and risk management.

He assured that the Bank would also accelerate digital transformation and enhance its impact as Nigeria’s leading agricultural development finance institution.

The newly inaugurated Board also has Fatima Garba (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hakeem Salami (Executive Director, Operations and IT).

Others, according to the statement include Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Executive Director, Risk Management); as well as Rabiu Idris Funtua, Kpochi Donald Iorgyer, Aminu Malami Mohammed, Oladejo Odunuga and Charles Amuchienwa as non-executive directors.