IN a compelling plea for transformative change, Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has called upon leaders in Nigeria and throughout the continent to prioritise welfarist policies to eliminate poverty. Adesina’s impassioned appeal was delivered during the prestigious Awolowo prize ceremony held in Lagos, where he received the award for leadership excellence.
‘Given the alarming levels of poverty in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, welfarist policies that significantly broaden opportunities, diminish inequalities, and enhance the quality of life for all are imperative,’ remarked Adesina as he accepted the accolade.
The event, attended by Africa’s present and former heads of state, showcased Adesina’s vision for a new Nigeria centred on welfarist policies and people-centric development. Notable attendees included Presidents Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia.
During his address, Adesina delineated five critical areas for Nigerian and African leaders to concentrate on for economic and social transformation. These encompassed the revitalisation of rural economies, universal healthcare, inclusive education, accessible housing, and enhanced governmental accountability and fiscal decentralisation.
‘In transforming rural economies lies the key to Africa’s prosperity, as agriculture remains the cornerstone of livelihoods for a majority of the population,’ Adesina emphasised. He underscored AfDB’s significant investments in agriculture, amounting to over $8.5bn in the past seven years, impacting millions across the continent.
Addressing healthcare disparities, Adesina stressed the necessity for universal basic health coverage, citing the devastating economic toll of diseases. He lamented Africa’s unpreparedness during the Covid-19 pandemic and outlined AfDB’s initiatives to bolster healthcare systems and pharmaceutical industries.
Similarly, Adesina highlighted the urgency of providing inclusive education and affordable housing for all Nigerians, denouncing the prevalence of slums and inadequate infrastructure.
Furthermore, Adesina advocated for enhanced governmental transparency and decentralisation to empower citizens and foster true federalism. He proposed a restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system to ensure equitable resource allocation and service delivery.
The ceremony, which honoured Adesina’s leadership and commitment to Africa’s development, received accolades from esteemed dignitaries. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan lauded Adesina’s transformative initiatives, while Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde commended AfDB’s contributions to her country’s agricultural self-sufficiency.
Reflecting on Adesina’s achievements, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praised his resilience and competence in navigating complex challenges.
Adesina’s recognition as the fourth recipient of the Awolowo prize underscores his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing Africa’s prosperity. The event symbolises a renewed commitment to realising Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s vision of inclusive and visionary leadership for Nigeria and Africa.
In congratulatory messages, global leaders including the President of the World Bank Group, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair hailed Adesina’s achievements, affirming his pivotal role in driving Africa’s development agenda.
As Africa seeks to overcome multifaceted challenges, Adesina’s clarion call for welfarist policies resonates as a blueprint for sustainable progress and prosperity across the continent.