President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina
I’m available to serve, says AfDB’s Adesina as his term ends
The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, said he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank ends.
Adesina spoke in an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni. The AfDB had also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Adesina said he is committed to national service, stressing that he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”
Adesina recalled a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.
According to him, “I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything.
“God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”
Adesina, who highlighted his passion for public service, stated that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.
He insisted that, “The only thing that makes me happy is seeing the lives of people transform and change—that’s what gives me satisfaction.”
Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020.
His eight-year tenure at AfDB has been phenomenal and marked by great economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation in Africa.
His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for high office in Africa
Speculations are rife in the political landscape with some Nigerians saying Adesina could assume a more defined political role.
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