AFDB President Akinwunmi Adesina Express Openness to Serve Nigeria And Africa After Tenure Ends
Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has expressed his willingness to serve Nigeria and Africa in any capacity after his tenure at the regional bank ends.
Adesina, who has served as AfDB President since 2015, will complete his second term in the second quarter of this year. In a recent interview with Arise Television, the former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture emphasized his passion for transforming lives, stating, “Look, the only thing that makes me happy is nothing else than seeing the lives of people transform. That is what gives me satisfaction. As a result, I will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country.”
When questioned about his future plans and the possibility of running for President of Nigeria, Adesina recounted a story about declining US citizenship, affirming his commitment to his Nigerian identity. “One of the things that I am grateful for as a Nigerian: many, many years ago, when I was in graduate school in Nigeria, even after that, I had an opportunity to obtain a United States visa. I was given a great visa, and I could have obtained US citizenship. But I rejected it, not because I don’t like America. My kids are Americans; they were born there…This passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport, that I cannot and will never trade it for anything.” He acknowledged the challenges that come with holding a Nigerian passport but insisted that respect is earned, not begged for.
Adesina emphasized his belief in divine providence and his role as an instrument of God. While referencing Davido’s song “Unavailable,” he playfully suggested a modification for his own situation, saying, “But in the case where it comes to service of any kind, I would ask Davido to change that song, ‘I am available, they will see me.’ I will. I will be available to serve in God’s hands for anything that God has in store for my life.”
Source: Guardian
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