Former Nigerian Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has commended Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his decade-long leadership at the African Development Bank (AfDB), describing his tenure as a period of visionary transformation that has left an enduring mark on Africa’s development landscape.

Speaking at Adesina’s farewell ceremony in Abidjan, Osinbajo highlighted how the outgoing AfDB president strengthened the bank’s financial base and advanced its flagship “High 5” agenda, which focused on powering Africa, feeding the continent, industrializing economies, integrating markets, and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans.

“Dr. Adesina’s vision and foresight positioned the African Development Bank as a global leader in development finance. His decade of service not only lifted the institution but also provided Africa with a resilient platform to withstand global challenges,” Osinbajo said.

Under Adesina’s stewardship, the AfDB’s capital base expanded from about $93 billion in 2015 to over $300 billion in 2024, making it the largest multilateral lender in Africa’s history. His initiatives, including the establishment of the African Development Fund replenishment and climate financing programs, provided billions of dollars to support infrastructure, food security, and renewable energy projects across the continent.

International leaders, dignitaries, and development partners also paid tribute to Adesina, who took office in 2015 as the Bank’s 8th president and the first Nigerian to occupy the position. His tenure is credited with delivering tangible results to over 350 million people through various projects and programs.

As he bows out, Adesina expressed gratitude to African nations, development partners, and AfDB staff for their collaboration, noting that the achievements of the past decade were a product of collective effort. He formally handed over to his successor, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania, who will continue to steer the institution’s mission.

Adesina leaves office with a legacy of growth, resilience, and impact, having positioned the AfDB as a central player in Africa’s economic transformation.