Diouf named AfDB acting communications head as Oladokun retires

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has appointed Nafissatou Diouf as its acting director for communications and external relations department.

A statement by the bank on Monday said the appointment is effective from April 1.

Diouf will replace Victor Oladokun, who retired from the bank on reaching the mandatory retirement age.

“I must say that the quality of the support that the communication team has provided to the Bank for our Annual Meetings has been simply remarkable. We have now reached a bar,” Akinwumi Adesina, the AfDB president, said.

“I would like for all of us to thank Victor Oladokun for being an outstanding professional, for being such a dedicated staff, for being somebody who mentored and supported all of his staff. Victor, as you leave the bank, please go well. Our thoughts and blessings are with you.”

Before her appointment, Diouf, a Senegalese national, was a division manager in the communications and external relations department of the bank.

“Nafissatou is a respected professional in the communications and external relations industry,” Akinwumi said of the appointment.

“I look to Nafissatou to steer the department at this critical moment as the bank responds to the rapidly changing situation of COVID-19 and to continue the excellent work done to date in the department.”

She is reported to bring 20 years; with a background in corporate communications, public relations, journalism, digital and media development.