Akinwunmi Adesina has been nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as the President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), for a second term.
The nomination which came in view of the elections scheduled for 2020, was disclosed by Adesina while he was receiving the Enema Anyaoku Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Hallmark of Labour Foundation according to TheCable reports.
Adesina appreciated the efforts that pioneered him as the first Nigerian to be President of the African Development Bank.
He said;
“When asked by former President Goodluck Jonathan to serve as Minister of Agriculture, it was duty calling me to the land of my birth,” he said.
“I served Nigeria to the very best of my ability. I thank God that Nigeria’s agriculture sector witnessed a much-needed transformation at the time.
“With the strong support of President Jonathan and the then President-elect, Buhari, we campaigned very hard for the position of the President of the African Development Bank.
“It was a Nigeria effort, as all hands were on deck. This included our former presidents and heads of state, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice-Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, and of course my dear indefatigable sister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who ran a spirited campaign for me.
“By God’s grace, I was elected President of the African Development Bank on May 28, 2015, exactly 24 hours after my term of office as minister ended.
“The nation jubilated as I became the first-ever Nigerian to be elected President of the bank since its establishment in 1964.
“Once again, Nigeria gave me air in my lungs.”
At the end of the bank’s anual meeting, Adesina addressed newsmen, disclosing his ambition to contest to run second term in office.
“I will run as a candidate to complete the work we have started,” he had said.
“I understand my responsibilities. I do not work for myself. I work with all of my body to fast track the development of this continent with the support of our donors.
“I am driven by Africa and it is not a chore for me.”
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“We have also given nine million people access to finance from private sector companies, provided 55 million people with access to improved transport, and 31 million people with access to water and sanitation.
“In all, 181 million people have directly benefited from our investments. I am proud of all my staff and the Board of Directors whose hard work and relentless support have helped make this happen.
“The African Development Bank has continued to maintain its global AAA rating. Last year, the bank was rated the 4th most transparent institution globally.”