The Future Beckons Us For More Developed Africa, Says Adesina After Winning 2nd Term Reelection

OLUWATOBI EMMANUEL

Akinwunmi Adesina, the President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB) who was reelected for a second term in office on Thursday, has emphasized his resolved to focus more on the development of Africa.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) said its board had re-elected Adesina, former Agriculture Minister in Nigeria, for a second five-year term as AfDB president.

The Abidjan-based bank conducted the vote to reappoint Adesina during its annual meeting on Thursday, which was held via video link.

Adesina, who was running unopposed, gained 100% of votes cast, the bank said in a statement.

The election result, which gave him a 100% of votes of all regional and non-regional members of the Bank, was announced by chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Bank, Mrs. Niale Kaba, Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire.

Adesina said after he won the election that “I am deeply grateful for the collective trust, strong confidence and support of our shareholders for electing me for a second term as President. It is yet another call for selfless service to Africa and the African Development Bank, to which I will passionately devote myself.

“The future beckons us for a more developed Africa and a much stronger and resilient African Development Bank Group.
“We will build on the strong foundations of success in the past five years, while further strengthening the institution, for greater effectiveness and impacts.”

While announcing the result of the election, Kaba said: “I am delighted the Board of Governors have re-elected Dr Adesina for a second term in office as President. As shareholders, we strongly support the Bank and will give him all the necessary support to carry forward and implement his compelling vision for the Bank over the next five years.”

The African Development Bank is Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprising 54 regional and 27 non-regional member countries.