President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, on his 65th birthday, celebrating his contributions to national and global development.

In a statement released on Wednesday, President Tinubu lauded Dr. Adesina’s leadership in various institutions, commending his role in setting new benchmarks for innovation, transformation, and sustainable development.

The President acknowledged the numerous recognitions and awards bestowed on Dr. Adesina, describing them as well-earned due to his track record of fostering growth, particularly through initiatives aimed at reducing poverty among the poor and vulnerable.

President Tinubu specifically highlighted Dr. Adesina’s achievements as the head of the AfDB, where he has overseen a historic expansion, increasing the institution’s capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion. He noted that Dr. Adesina’s economic diplomacy has not only strengthened Nigeria’s position but has also advanced the broader African continent toward economic prosperity.

Recognizing his past contributions as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and as Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), President Tinubu emphasized that Dr. Adesina’s foresight, wisdom, and experience remain invaluable to Africa’s development.

The President joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating this milestone, praying for Dr. Adesina’s continued good health and many more years of impactful service.