By The Qoheleth
The world in celebrates an icon, a trailblazer, and a global symbol of transformative leadership, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on the occasion of his remarkable ten-year tenure as a visionary leader and President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Dr. Adesina’s name is etched in the hearts of over 565 million Africans whose lives have been profoundly touched by his visionary leadership. He proudly immortalized his name as a luminary whose work exemplifies our core mission: to honor, preserve, and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Nigerians who redefine possibilities and inspire generations.
Under his stewardship, the AfDB has emerged as a global powerhouse of development finance, rewriting the narrative of Africa’s potential. His “High 5s” agenda; Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa has become a clarion call for progress, delivering tangible results that resonate across the continent. From 128 million people accessing improved health services to 28 million connected to electricity, from 104 million benefiting from enhanced food security to 121 million enjoying better transport infrastructure, his leadership has turned dreams into realities, one life, one community, one nation at a time.
Dr. Adesina’s groundbreaking financial innovations, securing a historic $318 billion capital increase, achieving an $8.9 billion replenishment for the African Development Fund, and pioneering hybrid capital and synthetic securitization have redefined development finance, positioning the AfDB as a global standard-bearer. His courage in crises, from the $10 billion COVID-19 Crisis Response Facility to the $1.5 billion Emergency Food Production Facility, has shown the world that African leadership is not just reactive but proactive, bold, and results-driven.
As a Nigerian, he has made the country proud, not merely by his origins but by his unwavering commitment to Africa’s dignity and progress. His advocacy for Africa’s voice in global forums, his push for fairer financial systems, and his belief that Africa needs partnerships, not pity, have inspired a generation to dream bigger and aim higher. The projects he championed from the transformative 4th Abidjan Bridge to the life-changing Government Social Programme Support Project are testaments to his philosophy that development is about people, not just policies.
The world celebrates a man whose legacy is not just in numbers but in the hope restored, the opportunities created, and the pride rekindled in every African. His decade of service has shown that leadership is about imagining solutions, building bridges, and leaving no one behind. As he steps down, the heartbeat of the AfDB, which he strengthened, continues to pulse with purpose, carrying forward the momentum of his extraordinary vision.
Nigerians extend their heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for his unparalleled contributions to Africa and the world. His name, already immortalized, will forever shine as a beacon of what is possible when passion meets purpose. His relentless pursuit of excellence, unyielding faith in Africa, and enduring legacy as a builder of dreams is worthily celebrated.
