Adesina to use AfDB in building ‘a new Africa’

Akinwunmi Adesina, the newly-elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has expressed appreciation to all those who supported him to attain his new height, promising that he would work with all African governments to bring more inclusive economic growth across the continent.

He commended Donald Kaberuka, the outgoing president of the bank, for his outstanding contributions to AfDB and promised to consolidate on his achievements.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been entrusted with the great responsibility of leading the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a time that presents such great opportunities and also profound challenges for our continent,” he said in a statement.

“The AfDB campaign and election has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful to all those who supported me along the way and to each and every person with whom I’ve met and exchanged ideas and hopes for inclusive economic growth on our continent throughout this process.

“The shareholders of the AfDB from African and non-African countries gave strong support, for which I am deeply grateful. Together, we will build a new Africa with inclusive and green growth.

“I am hopeful and excited about the prospect of building on the great work of President Donald Kaberuka at the AfDB.

“Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Africa, with smart infrastructure, energy for all, a strong private sector, new economic opportunities that will deliver quality jobs and hope for millions of youths and women, revival of Africa’s rural economies to lift many out of poverty, and regional integration for shared prosperity.”

Adesina said he enjoyed tremendous support from notable leaders in the country, singling out Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the immediate-past minister of finance, for her peculiar interest in his course.

“Our leaders rallied behind us in a historic display of unity of purpose and common commitment,” Adesina said.

“I would like to give my special thanks to a few people in particular without whom this success would not have been possible: former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for nominating me, for his confidence, and his steadfast, enthusiastic support; President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong endorsement and rallying support for us; and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her vital role and tremendous effort in delivering this successful outcome.

“Okonjo-Iweala, as Nigeria’s finance minister, worked passionately for our campaign, and our success would have been impossible without her tireless work shepherding support among many of the esteemed finance ministers and governors at the AfDB.

“I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to former president, Olusegun Obasanjo; former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; former vice president, Namadi Sambo and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who worked determinedly to build support behind my candidacy among African leaders.”