Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has publicly praised Akinwumi Adesina for his outstanding leadership during his tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), which is set to conclude this August after two terms.
In a statement obtained by okay.ng on Thursday, Buhari described Adesina’s performance as “spectacular,” highlighting the Nigerian economist’s significant contributions to the institution and Africa’s development. Buhari expressed pride in having played a key role in Adesina’s appointment for both his initial and second terms.
“I have seen Dr. Adesina, a son of Nigeria, put up a spectacular performance in the African Development Bank after two terms,” Buhari said. “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.”
The former president attributed Adesina’s success to a blend of personal determination and divine grace. “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 added.
Adesina, who previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, first assumed the AfDB presidency in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the position. His leadership is credited with transformative initiatives across the continent.
Recently, Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah was elected as the ninth president of the AfDB, succeeding Adesina. Tah’s election was announced following a vote by the Bank’s Board of Governors during their Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He is slated to take office on September 1, 2025.
Buhari concluded by wishing Adesina continued success in his future endeavors, underscoring the lasting impact of his tenure on African development.
