•Dr Akinwunmi Adesina
It is no longer news that President of the African Development Bank and ex-Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, clocked 65 on February 6, 2025.
But the celebration of the milestone, which took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, was evidence of Adesina’s lasting influence as an advocate for food security, agricultural reform, and African economic growth, reports Sunday Vanguard.
The distinguished event had in attendance top government officials, Nigerian governors, business leaders, legislators, and international development partners to honour the visionary leader’s enormous contributions to the continent’s development. Guests list included former VP Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, Governor Umar Bago of Niger State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State, former Governor Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Mr Aig-Imouhkude, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Mr Femi Otedola, and National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabi’u Mudi. President Tinubu, while rejoicing with Adesina, said he has continued to set new standards of innovativeness, transformation, and sustainable development. Tinubu affirmed that the numerous recognitions and awards bestowed on the versatile and cerebral technocrat are well deserved, following his track record of inspiring growth and development, mainly targeting the poor and vulnerable to reduce poverty.
He acknowledged Adesina’s impactful leadership at the helm of the AfDB, which took the institution to historic heights by raising the capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion.
Tinubu believed that the economic diplomacy of the AfDB president has repositioned Nigeria and the whole of Africa for greater prosperity. Sanwo-Olu, for his part, praised Adesina’s extraordinary life and his impact “which resonates far beyond Africa’s borders and globally”.
“As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, he initiated bold reforms that revolutionized the sector, empowering over 15 million farmers”, the Lagos governor added. “These reforms were instrumental in breaking the cycle of inefficiency that had plagued the industry for decades. Under his leadership, Nigeria saw significant improvements in agricultural productivity and food security, marking him as one of the country’s most respected reformers”. Alia, also speaking at the occasion, said it was a strategic move to cement ties that would attract further investments for Benue State especially in the agricultural sector. According to him, the trip will offer the Benue government the opportunity to engage with one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions in pushing forward, issues of infrastructure development. OtedoIa, in his remarks,said it was an auspicious occasion to celebrate Adesina, describing the celebrant as “Nigeria’s best export to the world, who is globally acclaimed for his outstanding leadership and excellence in driving and promoting the financial and economic development of Africa”.
Mudi’s presence at the ceremony underlined the intimate linkages between Nigeria’s agricultural sector and AfDB’s activities.
The National President of AFAN lauded Adesina’s relentless pursuit of agricultural excellence, stating: “Today, we celebrate not only Dr. Adesina’s 65 years of life but also his incalculable impact on Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape. His support for agriculture as the engine of economic growth has uplifted millions of smallholder farmers, not just in Nigeria but throughout the entire continent.”
The former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, and a First Class graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, has been instrumental to the launching of innovative agricultural policies and infrastructure programs across Africa. His doctorate from Purdue University further solidified his expertise, shaping him into the formidable leader he is today.
His tenure at the AfDB has reinforced Africa’s ability to chart its own development path, proving that strategic planning and bold leadership can foster self-reliance and economic empowerment. Adesina’s Pan-African vision has not come without challenges.
From navigating geopolitical tensions to resisting external pressures, he has remained steadfast in his belief that Africa’s destiny lies in the hands of its own people.
As he prepares to conclude his tenure at the AfDB on August 31, 2025, there is growing speculation about his next chapter.
