Former President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Akinwumi Adesina for what he described as a “spectacular performance” at the helm of the African Development Bank as his second and final term comes to an end this August.
Buhari hailed Adesina’s leadership and his unmatched achievements on Thursday in a statement obtained by PUNCH Online, noting with pride the role he played in securing Adesina’s appointment during both terms.
“I have seen Dr. Adesina, a son of Nigeria, put up a spectacular performance in the African Development Bank after two terms.
“As his tenure ends and a successor is emerging, records show that he has set such a great, unmatched record of excellence, leaving shareholders far happier than they had ever been.
“I am happy with the role I played in bringing his talent forward,” Buhari stated.
Buhari attributed the economist’s success to a combination of personal grit and divine grace.
The former president added,” He is blessed with a special talent, combined with hope, faith, a firm resolve, and confidence, with which he overcame all odds to stand out as a beacon of inspiration to others.”
Buhari concluded his statement by wishing Adesina greater strength and success in his future endeavours.
Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, assumed office as AfDB President in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020 for a second term, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the position.
PUNCH Online had reported that Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected the ninth president of AfDB, succeeding Nigeria’s Adesina.
Tah’s election was announced on Thursday on the AfDB website after voting by the Bank’s Board of Governors during its Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
He will assume office on September 1, 2025.
