AfDB President Adesina bags Awolowo Prize for Management Award

The previous Minister of Agriculture from 2011 to 2015 gained the coveted prize on Wednesday at the 2024 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Management Award held at the Lagos Continental Resort, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The occasion was graced by former heads of state from inside and outside of doors Nigeria, state governors, royal fathers and distinguished Nigerians.

Talking about the occasion, former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Retd.) described Adesina as a superb man who “represents the most effective of Nigeria.”

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“The selection of Dr Akinwumi Adesina can be described as having been very properly executed. He represents the most effective of Nigeria, hardworking, diligent, good, forward-looking, and deeply patriotic,” Gowon said.

Additionally, former Secretary-Common of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, recommended the selection of Adesina as the fourth recipient of the celebrated award, which began in honour of the late Awolowo.

He mentioned, “Out of the various respected nominations acquired, members of the choice committee unanimously thought of Dr Akinwumi Adesina as having in his profession so far in a big measure the Chief Obafemi Awolowo attribute that I’ve sought to explain.”

Anyaoku, a famous diplomat, mentioned Awolowo “recognised the problem of cautious administration of variety in our pluralistic nation and as such articulate his perception {that a} true federalism is a critical situation for the peace and progress of Nigeria.”

Previous winners of the celebrated award are Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and lawyer Aare Afe Babalola.

Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were present on the occasion, whereas President Bola Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The serving governors on the ongoing occasion are Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Mohammed Bago (Niger), amongst others.