By PETER TITLE
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has congratulated Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, for receiving the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award, 2024.
In a statement made available to our correspondent by Gyang Bere, the Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPPA), Mutfwang indicated that he was among the eminent Nigerians and international leaders who attended the historic event held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos State.
He described Dr. Adesina as a visionary leader and globally respected economist who has served Nigeria and Africa well, noting that his foresight and people-centred leadership have attracted alternative and increased investments in Africa.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Chief Obafemi Awolowo lived a life of excellence and commended Dr. Adesina for his productive interventions in transforming Nigeria and Africa.
He called on Nigerians to join hands with him to move the nation forward, saying Nigeria would certainly rise again.
The Chairman of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation and former Military President, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), described Chief Obafemi Awolowo as an exemplary leader, whose political virtues are worthy of emulation.
He congratulated Dr. Adesina on his choice for the eminent award and said his foresight, leadership and hard work have transformed the nation, particularly the agricultural sector.
President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, said Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a great leader whose enduring legacies everyone would like to be associated with.
She described the selection of Dr. Adesina for the award as befitting and said his incredible performance has offered significant solutions to societal challenges in Africa, stressing that Tanzanians have enjoyed his laudable support. She added that his passion to change lives in Africa and ensure that Africans feed themselves cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, thanked dignitaries within and outside Nigeria for creating time to attend the remarkable event and said the recognition would spur him to do more for Africa.
Adesina presented a paper titled, “Making a New Nigeria: Welfarist Policies and People-Centred Development”, highlighted the need for Nigerians and Africans to have access to education, affordable healthcare and housing for all.
He pledged his support to the present administration in tackling rural poverty and said priority should be given to the rural economy to improve the living condition of the people.
Eminent distinguished Nigerian leaders who graced the occasion include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, as well as President of the Union of Comoros and outgoing Chairperson of the African Union, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Republic of Togo, Faure Gnassingbe and President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Sahle-Work Zewde, among others.
