President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has constituted the boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), marking a significant step in strengthening governance in Nigeria’s education and agricultural sectors.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, appointed in July, continues as Chairman of UBEC. The President also appointed six board members to represent the country’s geo-political zones: Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South East), Gift Ngo (South South), Mrs. Ibiwunmi Akinnola (South West), Dr. Meiro Mandara (North East), Dr. Abdu Imam Saulawa (North West), and Professor Paul Ibukun-Olu Bolorunduro (North Central). The board members will serve an initial four-year term.
In another development, President Tinubu confirmed Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director of BOA. He also appointed three executive directors and five non-executive directors to represent Nigeria’s six geo-political zones:
Executive Directors: Fatima Garba (Corporate Services, Sokoto), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Risk Management & Strategy, Borno), Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Operations, Kwara).
Non-Executive Directors: Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West), Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central).
Similarly, Following the October 2023 appointment of Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary and CEO of NADF, President Tinubu constituted the board to oversee the agency, which was established to improve farmers’ and agripreneurs’ access to affordable capital.
Chairman: Mallam Bello Maccido, former pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited (North West).
Members: Dr. Nelson Henry Essien (South South, Akwa Ibom), Amina Ahmed Habib (North West, Jigawa), Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South West, Ondo), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North East, Borno), Lufer Samson Orkar (North Central, Benue), Felix Achibiri (South East, Imo).
The appointments reflect the President’s commitment to regional representation, expertise, and the development of critical national sectors.