Buhari Praises Adesina’s Leadership as AfDB President

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his remarkable achievements as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) after completing two terms in office.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Buhari expressed pride in supporting Adesina’s initial appointment and re-election as the head of the bank.

“I am happy with the enormous success Adesina has achieved at the end of his tenure, and I am glad to have supported his emergence as the helmsman of the bank in the first and second instances,” Buhari said.

He praised Adesina, describing him as “a son of Nigeria” who delivered a spectacular performance during his leadership of the AfDB.

“As his tenure ends and a successor is emerging, records show that he has set such a great, unmatched record of excellence, leaving shareholders far happier than they had ever been,” Buhari added.

The former president attributed Adesina’s success to hard work, discipline, and dedicated training, saying he possesses a unique talent combined with hope, faith, and confidence that helped him overcome challenges.

“He stands out as a beacon of inspiration to others,” Buhari said, wishing Adesina even greater strength and success in his future endeavors.

Dr. Adesina assumed office as AfDB President in 2015 and was re-elected for a second term in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to serve two terms in this prestigious position.

NAN reports that Mr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritius was elected the ninth president of the AfDB on Thursday during the Bank’s Board of Governors Annual Meetings 2025 held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Tah is set to assume office on September 1, 2025, succeeding Adesina.