Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, has identified policies centered around food security, universal healthcare, housing, education, and adherence to the principles of true federalism and fiscal accountability as crucial for the nation’s advancement.
He emphasized the critical role of aggressive policies in fostering Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation, while receiving the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership.
Adesina also stressed the importance of implementing these five-fold, people-centered policies across all 36 states.
He expressed confidence that such an approach could rescue Nigeria from its challenges and steer it back onto the path of continental progress.
The prestigious award ceremony, held in Lagos on Wednesday, witnessed the presence of five African presidents, former Heads of State, and distinguished statesmen.
They collectively testified to Adesina’s outstanding leadership on the African continent, highlighting his worth of the esteemed award in a celebration of his achievements.
Adesina’s exemplary leadership garnered praise from notable figures at the event, including President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Other dignitaries in attendance included President Samia Hassan of Tanzania (chairman of the occasion), President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, President Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia, and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo (represented by a delegate).