Nigerian President Applauds Adesina’s Decade-Long AfDB Leadership

By Barth Ikiebe

In a heartfelt tribute to a decade of visionary leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extolled the remarkable leadership and achievements of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgone President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The President, who was represented by the Minister of State, Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, at the book unveiling and send-off ceremony held at the African Development Bank Headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, highlighted Dr. Adesina’s transformative leadership and contributions to Africa’s economic development.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is a renowned economist and development expert with over three decades of experience in African development.

He served as President of the African Development Bank from 2015 to 2025, driving the Bank’s agenda to achieve the High 5 priorities.

The President stated that through his High 5 agenda, Dr. Adesina had driven economic growth, improved food security and promoted regional integration across the continent.

President Tinubu’s tribute message read: *We celebrate your decade-long leadership and achievements at the African Development Bank. Your dedication to Africa’s economic transformation has inspired a new generation of leaders. We wish you continued success in your future endeavours.*

The ceremony, themed, *Akinwumi A. Adesina: The Man, His Mandate, Mission and Message,* was a testament to Dr. Adesina’s enduring legacy in African development, leaving an indelible mark on the continent’s economic landscape.