By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the constitution of the boards of three key national institutions — the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) — as part of ongoing efforts to enhance food security, expand access to agricultural financing, and improve basic education across the country.
At UBEC, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, earlier appointed in July, retains his position as chairman of the board. New regional representatives include Uchendu Ikechi Mbaegbulem (South East) and 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) complete the board membership. The chairman and members will serve an initial four-year term.
The President also confirmed earlier appointments at the Bank of Agriculture, with Muhammad Babangida as chairman and Ayo Sotinrin as managing director. The newly constituted board includes three executive directors: Fatima Garba of Sokoto (Corporate Services), Ka’amuna Ibrahim Khadi of Borno (Risk Management and Strategy), and Hakeem Oluwatosin Salami of Kwara (Operations).
Five non-executive directors were also appointed: Aminu Malami Mohammed (North East), Charles Amuchienwa (South East), Oladejo Odunuga (South West), Rabiu Idris Funtua (North West), and Kochi Donald Iorgyer (North Central). Together, the board will guide the BOA’s mandate to support farmers, agripreneurs, and Nigeria’s rural economy.
In addition, President Tinubu finalized the board of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), complementing the appointment of Executive Secretary/CEO Muhammad Abu Ibrahim in October 2023. Mallam Bello Maccido, a veteran of the financial services sector and pioneer chairman of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, was named chairman of the board, representing the North West.
Other NADF board members include Dr Nelson Henry Essien (South South), Amina Ahmed Habib (North West), and engineer Akinyinka Olufela Akinnola (South West). Also appointed are Hassan Tanimu Musa Usman (North East), founder of New Frontier Developments Ltd and former non-executive director of Access Bank; Lufer Samson Orkar (North Central); and Felix Achibiri (South East), Group Director at Genesis Energy Holdings and chairman/CEO of DFC Holdings Limited.
The appointments, announced by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflect the administration’s focus on strengthening institutional leadership to drive development across agriculture, finance, and basic education.
—Newspot Nigeria
