FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian dairy industry, has embarked on a new chapter with the appointment of Mr. Yinka Sanni as its Chairman of the Board of Directors. This transition marks the culmination of Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe’s fifteen-year tenure as Chairman, a period during which he steered the company through significant growth and transformation. Ajekigbe’s leadership was instrumental in establishing and nurturing FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s dairy development program, a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to local sourcing and sustainable practices. His strategic vision also facilitated innovative approaches that strengthened the company’s market position, solidifying its standing within the competitive Nigerian dairy landscape.
Sanni, a seasoned financial services executive with over 35 years of experience, assumes the chairmanship armed with a diverse and impressive background. His career trajectory encompasses a wide spectrum of financial expertise, ranging from retail and wholesale banking to asset management. Prior to joining FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Sanni held key leadership positions at Standard Bank Group, including Chief Executive Officer for the Africa Region and a role as Group Executive. This extensive experience in managing complex financial operations across diverse markets positions him well to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for FrieslandCampina WAMCO. His strategic acumen, honed over decades of leadership in the financial sector, is expected to be a valuable asset in guiding the company towards continued growth and innovation.
The handover of leadership from Ajekigbe to Sanni represents a significant moment in FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s journey. Ajekigbe’s legacy is marked by his focus on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, pillars that have cemented the company’s position as a leader in the Nigerian dairy industry. His commitment to these values has not only driven the company’s commercial success but also fostered its positive impact on local communities. The incoming chairman, Sanni, inherits a company deeply rooted in these principles, and his mandate will be to build upon this foundation to further enhance FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s contribution to the Nigerian dairy sector and the broader economy.
Sanni’s academic credentials further underscore his preparedness for this pivotal role. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Master of Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University. This blend of agricultural and business education provides him with a unique perspective, bridging the gap between the practical realities of dairy production and the strategic imperatives of business management. Furthermore, his participation in advanced leadership programs at prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School and The Wharton School has equipped him with the advanced management skills necessary to lead a complex organization in a dynamic and competitive environment.
Roger Adou, Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, expressed confidence in Sanni’s ability to navigate the company through its next phase of growth. Adou acknowledged Ajekigbe’s significant contribution to the company’s success, highlighting his role in establishing a strong foundation based on sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. Looking forward, Adou emphasized the importance of maintaining the company’s commitment to these core values while pursuing profitable and sustainable growth. He believes that Sanni’s extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in achieving these goals and ensuring that FrieslandCampina WAMCO continues to provide quality dairy nutrition to Nigerians.
In essence, the appointment of Yinka Sanni as Chairman marks a new era for FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. His leadership experience, combined with his strong academic background and participation in prestigious leadership programs, positions him to effectively guide the company forward. Building upon the legacy of sustainable growth and community engagement established by his predecessor, Sanni is expected to steer FrieslandCampina WAMCO towards continued success in the Nigerian dairy market while upholding the company’s commitment to providing quality dairy nutrition to consumers. The transition of leadership reflects a commitment to continuity and progress, ensuring that FrieslandCampina WAMCO remains a key player in the Nigerian dairy industry for years to come.
