Buhari lauds Adesina for ‘unmatched record of success’ at AfDB

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on the successful completion of his two terms as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, commending his exceptional leadership and accomplishments during his tenure.

In a statement issued on Friday, Buhari expressed satisfaction with the “enormous success” recorded under Adesina’s stewardship, adding that he was proud to have supported his emergence as AfDB president in both terms.

“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 have ever been. I am happy with the role I played in bringing his talent forward,” the former president stated.

Buhari attributed Adesina’s accomplishments to hard work, discipline, and a strong foundation of dedicated training. He praised the outgoing AfDB chief as “a beacon of inspiration to others,” noting his ability to combine talent with hope, faith, and determination to rise above challenges.

Describing Adesina as a distinguished global figure, Buhari noted that his leadership had strengthened the bank’s profile and deepened its impact across Africa through transformative development programs.

The former president extended his best wishes to Adesina as he transitions to new opportunities, expressing confidence in his continued contribution to Africa’s growth and development.

“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,” Buhari added.

Dr. Adesina, who began his first term as AfDB President in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020, is set to hand over to a successor later this year.