By John Ogunsemore
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola has heaped praises on the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akin Adesina on the occasion of the latter’s 65th birthday.
In a statement shared on X, the Chairman of Geregu Power Plc hailed Adesina as Nigeria’s best export to the world and one of Africa’s finest leaders.
He said, “I wish to congratulate my dearest brother and friend Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, as he celebrates his 65th birthday on February 6, 2025.
“This is an auspicious occasion to celebrate Adesina, Nigeria’s best export to the world, who is globally acclaimed for his outstanding leadership and excellence in driving and promoting the financial and economic development of Africa.
“Today, we celebrate one of Africa’s finest leaders, whose work and leadership have helped to project Africa globally, with several distinctions.”
Otedola noted that as President of AfDB, Adesina successfully raised the capital of the bank from $93 billion when he took over in 2015 to $318 billion today.
He added that under Adesina’s leadership, AfDB grew to become a global financial institution and was ranked as the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world by Global Finance.
“In the past two consecutive years the African Development Bank was also ranked as the most transparent financial institution in the world by Publish What You Fund.
“Under Adesina, the African Development Bank has maintained its stellar AAA credit rating by global credit rating agencies, the only AAA rated financial institution in Africa.
“Adesina’s bold reforms and relentless efforts remain indelible in Nigeria. As the Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, he transformed the agriculture sector and turned agriculture into a business, with bold policy and innovative approaches; ended corruption in the fertiliser sector; and delivered seeds and fertilisers to 15 million farmers using innovative electronic wallet system.”
According to Otedola, Adesina has helped to mobilise over $3 billion in support of the development of special agro-industrial processing zones to be located in all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria.
He stressed that Adesina’s landmark contributions to Africa has earned him the highest national honours of over ten African countries.
“Adesina was recently named the ‘African of the Decade’ by Forbes Africa and CNBC Africa, the very first of in history.
“I am very proud of you, Akin, my dearest brother and friend. I congratulate your dearly beloved wife and my sister Yemisi for being your best supporter. I pray that God will bless you with joy, strength, grace and greater vision to continue to advance Africa globally and your own nation, Nigeria,” Otedola said.