ABUJA (SUNDIATA POST)- Farmers in Nigeria have expressed high expectations following the appointment of Ayo Sontirin as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture (BoA).
Dr Farouk Rabiu-Mudi, the factional President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) said this to the News Agency of Nigeria in an interview in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the appointment of Sontirin as the new managing director of the bank had generated significant excitement among the farmers.
“We recently heard about changes in the Bank of Agriculture’s management and the announcement of a new Managing Director.
“Sontirin has a good reputation; we are praying for positive changes in the bank. His experience in agriculture is a major advantage in understanding farmers’ needs.
“We believe he will work directly with farmers, understand their problems, and find effective solutions because of his outstanding CV. We are hopeful his leadership will bring significant improvements,” he said.
Rabiu-Mudi said that the farmers expected the new MD to provide easier access to loans and other financial resources.
“Farmers are hoping for a more effective support system, including training and extension services.
“The bank’s recapitalisation are expected to enhance their ability to support farmers,” he said.
The AFAN leader urged the new MD to prioritise sustainable agriculture practices and environmental conservation.
He added that farmers, especially the smallholders, are optimistic of the new MD’s potential to transform the agriculture sector and improve their businesses, placing Nigeria on the world map as a leading nation in agricultural advancement.
NAN reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on April 4 announced Sotinrin as the new managing director for the Bank of Agriculture.
Sotinrin is expected to bring a diverse and extensive experience in the private and public sectors to his new role.
Sotinrin, before his appointment, was Group Chief Executive Officer at SAO Group, an agribusiness company.
“His leadership at SAO Agro was marked by groundbreaking agricultural initiatives, including developing a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava operations in Ondo State.
He also led SAO Capital, raising over $750 million in infrastructure and development finance, including the landmark $200 million Akure Water Supply Project (NAN)
