31st July, 2023
By Lucy Ogalue
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has been awarded the coveted National Diaspora Merit Award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
In a statement released by the bank, Adesina was acknowledged for his selfless service and efforts as a Nigerian Diaspora Global Icon.
According to the release, he was celebrated with other awardees in the Global Icon category, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and World Trade Organisation Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Lamin Barrow, Director-General of the AfDB Group Nigeria Country Department, accepted the award on behalf of Adesina.
“For the great recognition of president Adesina’s outstanding achievements and contributions to Nigeria and the continent’s development efforts.
“The award will inspire him further to continue his unrelenting efforts for Nigeria and Africa’s transformation,” Barrow said.
He quoted Adesina in a statement as saying, “I thank NIDCOM and I am pleased to accept the award with humility.
“I am deeply touched by this acknowledgement of my modest contributions to finance and economics and my recognition as a role model to other Nigerians in the diaspora.”
Often described as “Africa’s Optimist-in-Chief”, Adesina is widely lauded for his visionary leadership and passion for Africa’s transformation.
His bold reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture turned the sector around in four years, benefiting 15 million farmers through an electronic wallet system.
As AfDB president, Adesina achieved the highest-ever capital increase and led swift responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has received numerous accolades, including the World Food Prize and African of the Year.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa said the conferment of a National Diaspora Merit Award on Adesina was in recognition of his selfless service.
Dabiri-Erewa said the recognition was also for his contributions as a Nigerian Diaspora Global Icon, adding that NIDCOM appreciated Adesina’s “unflinching love and contributions to national development”.
“This award is predicated upon the importance of recognising and celebrating Nigerians in the diaspora who have excelled in their various fields of endeavour and contributing to the development of Nigeria.
“These exceptional Nigerians have, over time, contributed to making Nigeria a better place in their own capacities.
“It is thus important that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Commission, recognises their remarkable feats,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
NAN