Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr Akinwunmi Adesina on the accomplishments recorded during his tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Buhari expressed satisfaction with Adesina’s performance and the role he played in supporting his appointments.
“I am happy with the enormous success Adesina has achieved at the end of his tenure, and I am glad to have supported his emergence as the helmsman of the bank in the first and second instances,” Buhari stated.
“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.”
The former president attributed Adesina’s achievements to hard work, discipline, and rigorous training, noting that these qualities were instrumental in shaping his success.
“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.
He wished Adesina continued strength and success in future endeavours.
Adesina became AfDB President in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020 for a second term, making him the first Nigerian to lead the institution.
Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritius has been elected as the ninth President of the Bank, succeeding Adesina. His election was confirmed on Thursday following a vote by the Bank’s Board of Governors during the Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Tah will assume office on 1 September 2025.
(NAN)