LAGOS, NIGERIA — Sona Group of Industries, one of Nigeria’s prominent 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 the career of the seasoned corporate executive and represents the culmination of several decades of professional experience spanning banking, human resources, corporate affairs, strategic management, corporate governance, government relations, regulatory engagement and stakeholder management.
Sona Group of Industries is a diversified business group and a significant player in Nigeria’s industrial development. The Group has invested across multiple sectors, with its business interests covering manufacturing, food and agro-allied products, Distilleries and Beverages, packaging, real estate, technology, industrial gases, power and related services.
Its portfolio includes a number of established companies and businesses, among them 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, alongside other interests within the wider Group.
Through these businesses, Sona Group participates in 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, among other industrial activities.
The Group has also been associated with local sourcing and backward integration initiatives designed to strengthen Nigerian manufacturing, support local farmers and suppliers, create employment and deepen domestic industrial capacity.
It is within this broad and diversified corporate environment that Soji Fagbemi assumes his new responsibility as Executive Director.
Soji Fagbemi began his professional career in 1986 with Afribank Nigeria Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading and highly respected commercial banks of its era, before the emergence and rapid expansion of the New Generation Banks.
His years at Afribank provided him with a strong professional foundation in banking operations, financial services, customer relationship management, business development, administration and institutional management. The discipline and professional culture of the banking industry have remained important influences throughout his career.
He subsequently joined Sona Group of Industries, where he rose through senior management responsibilities, including Human Resources Manager and, until his latest appointment, Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs.
A Key Corporate Affairs Executive
As Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, SOJ served as an important interface between Sona Group and government institutions, regulatory agencies, host communities, industry associations, the media and other strategic stakeholders.
He has been involved in major corporate engagements; local and international, commissioning ceremonies, government and regulatory interactions, community initiatives, industry events and strategic stakeholder meetings, helping to project and protect the reputation and interests of the Group.
His experience has extended beyond conventional corporate communication to encompass government relations, regulatory affairs, crisis management, corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility and strategic communication.
Now Into the Boardroom
His elevation to Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Strategy represents a natural progression from senior management into the highest level of strategic corporate leadership.
As an Executive Director, SOJ brings his wealth of experience and institutional knowledge directly into the Boardroom, contributing to corporate strategy, stakeholder relations, government and regulatory engagement, corporate reputation, public affairs, business sustainability and the Group’s long-term strategic objectives.
His broad experience across banking, human resources and corporate affairs gives him a distinctive perspective on both the people and business dimensions of corporate leadership.
Industry Leadership
Beyond his responsibilities at Sona Group, Soji Fagbemi serves on the Council of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), contributing to industry dialogue and advocacy around the development, competitiveness and sustainability of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
His involvement with MAN further complements his practical experience within one of Nigeria’s major manufacturing groups.
Philanthropy and Social Leadership.
He is the President of Fiwajoye Fagbemi Foundation, an NGO he founded for Charity and Philanthropy.
SOJ is also the Chairman of Power Club, Lagos, a social organisation that proudly combines friendship, fellowship and networking with a strong commitment to philanthropy and community service.
His leadership of the Club reflects his broader philosophy that social and professional relationships should translate into positive impact, responsible citizenship and meaningful contributions to society.
Community and Traditional Leadership
Beyond the corporate world, Soji Fagbemi is honoured with the distinguished traditional title of Fiwajoye of Owode-Ota, Awori Kingdom reflecting his commitment to community development, service and leadership.
He is also a committed Christian leader within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with a strong passion for servant leadership, mentoring, administration and Kingdom advancement. He is presently the President of Excellent Men Fellowship, Royal House Pavilion Zone, LP 122.
A Career of Progression and Impact
Fondly known as SOJ, Soji Fagbemi brings to his new Board position a rare combination of banking discipline, human resources expertise, corporate affairs experience, manufacturing-sector knowledge, strategic thinking, industry advocacy and community leadership.
His professional journey—from Afribank Plc, through senior management positions at Sona Group, to Group General Manager, Corporate Affairs, and now Executive Director, Corporate Affairs & Strategy—is a story of progressive responsibility, institutional trust and sustained contribution.
SOJ enters the Sona Group Boardroom with more than a new title. He brings decades of experience, deep institutional knowledge, strategic relationships and a proven commitment to building people, strengthening institutions and creating sustainable value.
From Banker to Boardroom Strategist — SOJ’s journey continues at Sona Group of Industries.
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