Dr. Adesina of AFDB awarded the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, making him the fourth recipient

Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, is set to receive the highly prestigious Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, joining an elite group that includes Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka and former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki.

The Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, established in 1992, aims to honor individuals who embody the democratic and development-oriented ideals of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a key figure in Nigeria’s independence movement known for his integrity and discipline.

After a rigorous selection process, Dr. Adesina emerged as the unanimous choice for the award, with the selection panel recognizing his leadership in addressing challenges facing the African continent, particularly in the areas of hunger and poverty.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan praised Adesina for his extraordinary leadership qualities and commitment to transforming the lives of millions of people. Similarly, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair commended Adesina’s exceptional contributions to Africa and global leadership.

Ambassador Kenneth Quinn of the World Food Prize Foundation highlighted Adesina’s dedication to food security and financing critical infrastructure projects for development and modernization.

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon lauded Adesina as a shining example of leadership, comparing him to Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The award will be presented at the Lagos Continental Hotel on March 6, 2024, with dignitaries such as the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, expected to attend the ceremony.

Dr. Adesina expressed his gratitude for the award and the opportunity to join the esteemed company of previous recipients, emphasizing his delight and honor at being selected for this prestigious recognition.