Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded Dr Akinwumi Adesina, immediate past President, African Development Bank (AFDB) for what he described as his “bold vision and unwavering commitment” to the continent’s development landscape.
Obasanjo, also the Chairman and Founder, Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute (OOLI) said this at the farewell reception and book unveiling, held on Wednesday in honour of Dr Adesina, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
This is contained in a statement by the institute’s Media Consultant, Prof. Elvis Etobo, issued to newsmen on Friday night in Lagos.
In his good will message, the Obasanjo who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Chief Executive, OOLI, Prof. Samuel Daramola, said there is the need for African leaders to draw inspiration from the achievements of Dr. Adesina.
According to him, Adesina’s tenure offered a blueprint for visionary and ethical leadership across the continent.
Obasanjo described Adesina’s “High 5” agenda, which included lighting up and powering Africa, feeding Africa, industrialising the continent, integrating Africa, as well as improving quality of life, as a model that set “new standard in development finance”, while igniting inclusive growth.
“His High 5 framework and flagship initiatives have set a new standard in development finance, igniting innovation and inclusive growth across the continent,” Obasanjo said.
He noted that reliance on scientific data and rigorous analysis enabled AfDB to mobilise billions of dollars in investments, lift millions out of poverty and strengthen food security across Africa.
“On behalf of the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute, we salute Dr. Adesina’s visionary stewardship of the African Development Bank.
“Dr. Adesina’s tenure as AfDB president offers lessons not only for leaders across Africa, but for the world at large, demonstrating how determination and innovative thinking can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” Obasanji said.
Adesina, in his remarks, highlighted the role of focused leadership, mentorship and teamwork in driving the bank’s success.
He emphasised the role of focused leadership in the success of any organisation.
The ex-AFDB boss also highlighted the importance of mentorship and teamwork in the achievements of the bank.
He graciously acknowledged a number of outstanding staff, special assistants and vice presidents who contributed to the bank’s mission.
He identified scientific data, statistics, and rigorous analysis as key drivers of his success.
Adesina then paid tribute to former president Obasanjo’s legacy in establishing the institute of leadership, noting its pivotal role in shaping ethical and visionary leadership across Africa.
Key highlights of Dr. Adesina’s leadership included championing the “High 5” priorities: which are; Light Up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialise Africa; Integrate Africa and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
Others are; Launching the Africa Investment Forum to mobilise strategic capital, spearheading technologies, for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) to boost food security, mobilising billions of dollars in investments and lifting millions out of poverty through targeted, sustainable projects, made up the list.
High point of the event also featured the unveiling of two commemorative books, titled: Akinwumi Adesina – The Man, Mission and Message; and “The Mandate, a Festschrift”, edited by Prof. Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka.
The occasion offered Prof. Daramola an opportunity to engage with heads of governments, special advisers, development partners, and private-sector leaders.
Daramola shared OOLI’s dedication to cultivating ethical, forward-thinking leadership through immersive training programs, policy innovation and strategic partnerships.
