December 05, (THEWILL) — President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the governing boards of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), marking a major step toward strengthening governance and operational efficiency in key national institutions.
In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the appointments reflect the administration’s commitment to sectoral reforms, improved service delivery, and equitable regional representation.
Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as Chairman of the UBEC Board. Newly appointed board members representing the six geo-political zones are 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 chairman and members will serve a four-year term in the first instance.
President Tinubu also confirmed the appointments of Muhammad Babangida as Chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture. He further approved the appointment of three executive directors and five non-executive directors, ensuring balanced geo-political representation.
The executive directors are Fatima Garba (Sokoto) as Executive Director, Corporate Services; Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi (Borno) as Executive Director, Risk Management and Strategy; and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami (Kwara) as Executive Director, Operations. The non-executive directors are Aminu Malami Mohammed (North-East), Charles Amuchienwa (South-East), Oladejo Odunuga (South-West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North-West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North-Central).
In October 2023, President Tinubu appointed Muhammad Abu Ibrahim as Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). He has now constituted the board in accordance with the Fund’s establishing statute. Former FBNQuest Merchant Bank chairman, Mallam Bello Maccido—who brings over three decades of financial sector experience—will serve as Board Chairman, representing the North-West.
Other members of the NADF board include Dr. Nelson Henry Essien (Akwa Ibom/South-South), Amina Ahmed Habib (Jigawa/North-West), Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (Ondo/South-West), Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (Borno/North-East), Lufer Samson Orkar (Benue/North-Central), and Felix Achibiri (Imo/South-East).
Tinubu noted that the newly constituted boards are expected to play vital roles in advancing basic education, strengthening agricultural financing, and enhancing institutional governance nationwide.
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