Following Akinwumi Adesina’s re-election, News Central Business Correspondent, Nasir Agbalaya responds to some key questions regarding the Africa Development Bank’s President.
AKINWUMI ADESINA HAS BEEN RE-ELECTED AfDB PRESIDENT. DO YOU CONSIDER THIS A WORTHY RE-ELECTION ?
The fact that Akinwunmi Adesina, a professor of Agriculture Economics won his re-election with 100% of the vote cast shows his pedigree. Another thing that worked for him is, his running unopposed for the job. He deserves his next five years.
Let’s not forget that his nomination was backed by President Muhammadu Buhari despite having served under President Goodluck Jonathan for his first term. The current government supported his second term and now h
For someone who has been involved in Agriculture as a farmer, from his first degree, post graduate and then PhD. He has the knowledge and even came well prepared.
He had a five point agenda to solve issues across Africa. These are:
1. Light up and power Africa, which aims at providing electricity across Africa
2. Feed Africa -to boost food production across the continent
3. Industrialize Africa, where AfDB worked to boost the continent’s industrial capacity
4. Integrate Africa-to ensure smooth partnerships and collaborations across Africa.
5. Improve the quality of life of Africans, aimed at boost the development and the quality of life of Africans. AfDB’s contribution of human capital development.
HOW IS AFRICA AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE RESPONDING TO ADESINA’S VICTORY ?
The Akinwunmi Adesina candidacy was challenged by the United States on the grounds of nepotism and corruption. The Bank’s Board cleared Adesina. This did not sit well with the Americans and still they insisted on an international probe.
Then the international probe ran and still found him not guilty. Proving his integrity.
His re-election has been applauded in Nigeria and beyond.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE KEY EXPECTATIONS MANY WILL HAVE OF ADESINA ON HIS NEW TENURE?
Well, he won the re-election based on the achievements he got in his first term and now he needs to consolidate on those same achievements and make Africa and Africans proud of him as we have before.
For instance, Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement- AFCTA is a continent wide trade agreement that should would get Africa further trading with Africa. AfDB has been part of this and with the coronavirus pandemic, reality of how it would work should be a priority. So, he has his work cut out for him.