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The World Trade Organization (OMC), described the legacy of the president of the African Development Bank (AFDB), dr. Akinwumi Adhesin, as a source of pride for Nigeria and the African continent.
The general manager (DG) of the World Trade Organization, dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iwela said this in an AFDB declaration on Thursday.
Okonjo-Iwela made the observation in a video message delivered to the AFDB shareholders and delegates during the banking session of the Bank’s annual meetings held in Abidjan, in Costa D’Ivoire.
The DG praised adhesin for what he called a decade of transformative leadership that significantly high the bank’s position and has contributed significantly to the agenda of Africa’s development.
“President Akinwumi Adhesin is leaving a strong legacy of leadership and service. The Nigerians and all Africans should be proud,” said the Opo Head.
Remembering their time together in the Cabinet of the former President Goodluck Jonathan, Okonjo-Iwela noticed the pioneering sticker efforts in agriculture, in particular his introduction of the digital portfolio system to enhance farmers.
“I challenged him to reach other farmers from one to two million women, promising services based on performance. He handed over, reaching two more million.
“This is the type of leader who is. He brought an unusual passion to his work and made the difference for the life of farmers in the country.
“His leadership has significantly increased the profile of the AFDB to a new height of recognition and respectability,” he said.
Okonjo-Iweala, who was Nigeria’s Finance Minister in 2015, led the campaign that led to the election of Adhesin as AFDB president.
The head of the WOP praised the growth of the capital base of the AFDB under its guidance from 93 billion to 318 billion dollars, describing it as a significant result.
The agenda “High 5S” of Adhesin also praised, a strategic framework focused on the transformation of key sectors throughout the continent, stating that the initiative remains fundamental for achieving the African agenda 2063.
“With prolonged commitment and strategic concentration, the development objectives of Africa remain feasible,” he said.
The general manager of the WOP urged the African nations to take on a greater property of their development and transform the growing international interest into the continent into concrete investment opportunities.
He also praised the African investment forum, a flagship initiative launched by Adhesin and eight other partners to bring infrastructure and development projects to the banking phase.
According to her, the initiative completes the WOP efforts to promote integration and economic development in Africa.
Okonjo-Iweala also thanked the African leaders, the shareholders and the banking staff for the support given to Adhesina during his mandate.
He made a special tribute to the wife of Adhesina, Grace, for what he described as his “constant support for the demanding role of her husband” in the last 10 years.
Adhesin, who assumed the assignment in 2015, is completing his second five -year mandate as president of the African development bank.
