LAGOS, Nigeria — Sona Group of Industries, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous diversified industrial conglomerates, has announced the appointment of Adesoji “Soji” Fagbemi, popularly known as SOJ, as Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Strategy.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in Fagbemi’s career, which spans several decades of experience in banking, human resources, corporate affairs, strategic management, corporate governance, government relations, regulatory engagement and stakeholder management.
Sona Group of Industries has established business interests across manufacturing, food and agro-allied products, distilleries and beverages, packaging, real estate, technology, industrial gases, power and related services.
Its portfolio includes Shongai Packaging Industry Limited, Shongai Technologies Limited, Sona Plastics Limited, Sona Industrial Gases Limited, Sona Agro Allied Foods Limited, Food, Agro & Allied Industries Limited, Euro Global Foods & Distilleries Limited, Coronation Power & Gas Limited and Coronation Real Estate Development Limited, among others.
The Group’s operations span the production of food and beverages, packaging and plastic products, industrial gases, agro-allied and malt products, flexible printing solutions, real estate and power-related services.
The company has also pursued local sourcing and backward integration initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigerian manufacturing, supporting local farmers and suppliers, creating employment opportunities and deepening domestic industrial capacity.
From Banking to Corporate Leadership
Fagbemi began his professional career in 1986 with Afribank Nigeria Plc, where he gained extensive experience in banking operations, financial services, customer relations, business development, administration and institutional management.
He later joined Sona Group of Industries and rose through various senior management positions, including Human Resources Manager and, until his latest appointment, Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs.
Driving Corporate Affairs and Stakeholder Relations
As Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Fagbemi played a key role in managing the Group’s relationships with government institutions, regulatory agencies, host communities, industry associations, the media and other strategic stakeholders.
His responsibilities extended beyond corporate communications to include government and regulatory relations, crisis management, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility and strategic communication.
He has also represented the Group at major corporate engagements, commissioning ceremonies, government and regulatory meetings, community initiatives, industry events and other strategic engagements.
Elevation to the Board
His appointment as Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Strategy represents a progression from senior management to the highest level of strategic corporate leadership.
In his new role, Fagbemi is expected to bring his extensive institutional knowledge and experience to bear on corporate strategy, stakeholder relations, government and regulatory engagement, public affairs, corporate reputation, business sustainability and the Group’s long-term strategic objectives.
His background across banking, human resources and corporate affairs also gives him a broad understanding of both the people and business dimensions of corporate leadership.
Industry and Community Leadership
Beyond his responsibilities at Sona Group, Fagbemi serves on the Council of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), where he contributes to industry dialogue and advocacy on issues affecting the development, competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
He is also the President of Fiwajoye Fagbemi Foundation, a non-governmental organisation founded to promote charity and philanthropy.
Fagbemi is the Chairman of Power Club, Lagos, a social organisation that combines friendship, fellowship and networking with philanthropy and community service.
His contributions to community development have also earned him the traditional title of Fiwajoye of Owode-Ota, Awori Kingdom.
A committed Christian, Fagbemi is also involved in leadership and service within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He currently serves as President of the Excellent Men Fellowship, Royal House Pavilion Zone, LP 122.
A Career Built on Progressive Responsibility
Fondly known as SOJ, Fagbemi brings to his new boardroom role a combination of banking discipline, human resources expertise, corporate affairs experience, manufacturing-sector knowledge, strategic leadership, industry advocacy and community service.
His professional journey from Afribank Nigeria Plc through senior management positions at Sona Group, to Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, and now Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Strategy, reflects decades of progressive responsibility and institutional trust.
With his elevation to the Sona Group Board, Fagbemi is expected to leverage his extensive experience, strategic relationships and institutional knowledge in advancing the Group’s corporate objectives and strengthening its engagement with key stakeholders.
From banker to boardroom strategist, Soji Fagbemi’s journey continues at Sona Group of Industries.
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