Boss Of The Week
Consistent Strides: Akinwumi Adesina Bags The Gambian Highest National Honour
By Eric Elezuo
For Nigerian-born President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, excellence and eye-on-the-job have remained a hallmark that must not be compromised. And so year in and year out the former Minister of Agriculture under the Goodluck Jonathan-led administration of 2010 to 2015, has continued to deliver firsts in his capacity as the leader of the world body, as an African and as a proud Nigerian.
Akinwum’s latest cap of feathers is his recent honour handed down by the president of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, who bestowed on him the highest national honour of the country, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia.
The honour, The Boss Newspaper learnt, is in recognition of Adesina’s leadership role and contributions to development in The Gambia in particular, and Africa at large.
President Barrow bestowed him with the honour during a ceremony held in Soma during the week while the recipient was on an official visit to the West African nation. The visit was the first by an African Development Bank president since The Gambia joined the Bank Group nearly 50 years ago.
An official citation rendered during the conferment of honour recognised Adesina’s leadership role in increasing the Bank’s share capital from $93 billion to $208 billion in 2019, the highest in the Bank’s history since its inception in 1964; financial innovations; enhancing the Bank’s effectiveness and impact; his innovative and transformational policies as Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture, including the introduction of an electronic wallet for farmers and the effective ending of corruption in the country’s fertiliser sector.
The citation further noted that in 2022, the African Development Bank was ranked the Best Multilateral Financial Institution in the world by Global Finance; and the Most Transparent Financial Institution in the world by ‘Publish What You Fund,’ for its sovereign operations. Thanks to the effective leadership style of Adesina.
Also under Adesina’s leadership, the Bank convened the 2023 Feed Africa Summit which brought together 34 Heads of State and Government, development partners, global and regional private sector players, and farmers for transformative actions for food self-sufficiency in Africa. The summit, co-hosted by the Senegalese government, mobilized more than $70 billion to date.
While receiving the honour, Adesina noted as follows: “Sometimes, I wonder what I have done to deserve such an award. The honour you have bestowed on me is not just personal. It reflects the long partnership that the Bank has had with The Gambia.”
“My life is useful only to the extent that it helps improve the lives of others. Nothing more,” Mr Adesina told The Gambian government, “The African Development Bank will stand beside you, be around you, and support you strongly, and we will continue to see the fruits of our marriage.”
Among a plethora of achievements, Adesina is a 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, who had worked as a rice researcher in The Gambia. He promised that the Bank would support the country in its ambition to become self-sufficient in rice.
Consequently, the Bank Group under Adesina, has committed $32.4 million to an ongoing programme to boost rice value chains, aiming to produce 200,000 additional tonnes of paddy rice by 2028 and reduce imports to zero.
Also in recent years, Adesina’s African Development Bank Group has funded several projects in The Gambia, including the modernisation of the Banjul Port, the construction of the Senegambia Bridge that connects the country with Senegal, agricultural transformation, climate change mitigation, social protection and energy sector development.
All in all the AfDB has invested $540 million in The Gambia since it joined the institution in 1974.
Adesina needs no introduction in the finance and agriculturalworld. He is the second term President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and arguably Nigeria’s best performing Minister of Agriculture till date. He is one man whose name not only ring a bell among the people of the world, with special emphasis to Nigeria, he is a source of succour, hope and encouragement. In fact, his antecedents in public service speak volumes.
In addition to Adesina’s many firsts, the pan African President of AfDB, who went through thick and thin to conquer imperialism and retained his office, was not long ago on news front burner when he against all odds took his stand with the citizens of Nigeria to caution the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of Nigeria against excessive taxation on the population, whom he justifiably described as the ones providing the amenities in the country.
Without mincing words, he told the Federal Government pointblank to pull the brake on tax increment, saying that it will be double jeopardy to over tax citizens who provide basic amenities the government has failed to offer. The government actually needed a shock absorber to take that in. He took his premise on the fact that every Nigerian home is responsible for his own water with self dug borehole, electricity with private power generators and in more cases than one, provides his road network, communication enhancement equipment as well as amusement facilities.
He said the fact that Nigeria taxes are relatively lower cannot be justification for incessant tax raise.
Adesina’s advice came in the heat of a lecture he delivered at the annual conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja.
He said: “Low tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate in the country is not an excuse for the Federal Government to keep increasing taxes.
“While other countries with high tax rates have functional free education and free health care system among others, such cannot be said for Nigeria.”
“In Nigeria, the inefficient system has imposed an implicit tax on the Nigerians as the people are made to provide basic essential facilities that should have been made available by government.”
Adesina’s overriding influence in the field of placing humanity first, took centre stage when he was appointed Minister of Agriculture by the administration of the then President Goodluck Jonathan. He left office in 2015, and immediately clinched the presidency of AfDB. Since then, Adesina has not looked back working for the growth and development of Nigeria and Nigerians in particular, and Africans in general.
BRIEF BACKGROUND OF AKINWUMI ADESINA
Adesina was born to a Nigerian farmer in Ibadan, Oyo State, on February 6, 1960. He attended a village school and graduated with a Bachelors in Agricultural Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ife, Nigeria in 1981. He was basically the first student to be awarded this distinction by the university. He followed up his studies at Purdue University in Indiana, briefly returning to Nigeria in 1984 to get married.
Afterwards, he returned to school, obtaining his PhD (Agricultural Economics) in 1988 from Purdue, winning the Outstanding Ph.D Thesis for his research work in the bargain.
Adesina’s professional career kicked off proper in 1990, when he served as a Senior Economist at West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. He served till 1995.
He worked at the Rockefeller Foundation since winning a fellowship from the Foundation as a senior scientist in 1988. From 1999 to 2003 he was the representative of the Foundation for the southern African area. And from 2003 until 2008, he was an Associate Director for food security.
In 2010, he was appointed Nigerian Agriculture Minister, a post he held till 2015 when the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan ended.
Adesina was named as Forbes African Man of the Year for his reform of Nigerian agriculture. He introduced more transparency into the fertiliser supply chain. He also said that he would give away mobile phones to farmers but this proved too difficult as a result of lack of mobile network in rural areas.
In 2010, United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon appointed him as one of 17 global leaders to spearhead the Millennium Development Goals.
On May 28, 2015, just before he completed his tenure as the Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, a position he had held for four years, Adesina was elected the presumptive President of the African Development Bank. He began his tenure of the office on September 1 2015. He is the eighth president in the organization’s history, and the first Nigerian to hold the post.
On resumption at the AfDB, He launched a strategy based on energy, agriculture, industrialization, regional integration and bettering Africans’ lives. The Board of Executive Directors approved the reorganization of the structure around these five priorities.
In September 2016, Adesina was appointed by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to serve as member of the Lead Group of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement.[10]
In 2017, he was awarded 2017 World Food Prize. Upon receiving the prize on October 21, 2017. Adesina donated the $250,000 he received to the development of African youth in agriculture. That is how generous and benevolent he is.
Adesina is not all work; he is reportedly very close to his God. While at Purdue University, he, his wife, along with another couple, started a Christian group called the African Student Fellowship. He and his wife Grace have two children, Rotimi and Segun.
As an Agricultural Economist, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation for over 30 years. He has contributed greatly to food security in Africa, aimed at improving the lives of millions currently living in poverty, throughout the African continent. The Sunhak Committee acknowledges Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s achievements in promoting Good Governance of Africa, which boosts Africa’s capacity to feed itself and transform its total economies for generating wealth for millions of rural and poor African farmers.
At the Cape Town International Convention Center, the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee announced him as a co-winner of the 2019 Laureates for the Sunhak Peace Prize, the other person was Waris Dirie, 53 year-old world-class supermodel and anti-FGM activist.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been a leader in agricultural innovation in Africa for over 30 years, bringing great improvement to Africa’s food security. contributing to Africa’s dynamic growth. His leadership is building stepping-stones for Africa’s dynamic growth.
Chairman of the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee, Dr. Il Sik Hong, stated that “the Sunhak Peace Prize was established based upon the vision of “One Family Under God.” The 2019 Sunhak Peace Prize gives special attention to peace and human development in Africa.”
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pioneered major transformations in the agricultural field, including expanding rice production by introducing high yielding technologies, designing and implementing policies to support farmers’ access to technologies at scale, increasing the availability of credit for millions of smallholder farmers, attracting private investments for the agricultural sector, rooting out the corrupt elements in the fertilizer industry, and assisting in establishment of major agricultural policies for Africa’s green revolution.
The “Africa Fertilizer Summit,” which he organized in 2006, was one of the largest high-level meetings in Africa’s history that had a focus on solving Africa’s food issues. During this Summit, Dr. Adesina was instrumental in developing the “Abuja Declaration on Fertilizer for the African Green Revolution,” whereby the participants stated their commitment to the “eradication of hunger in Africa, by 2030.”
Dr. Adesina worked with various banks and international NGOs in order to create an innovative financing system, providing loans to small farmers, providing a way for them to rise out of poverty. This move leveraged $100 million in loans and provided opportunities for small farmers to increase their agricultural productivity, and their income.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina currently serves as the president of the African Development Bank Group which plays a central role in Africa’s development. As an “economic commander” of Africa, he promotes the “High 5 Strategy” that include: light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa and improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. As a result of his work, the lives of millions of people throughout Africa have been improved.
He was instrumental in gathering no fewer than 200 leading African political, business, and diplomatic leaders in Johannesburg for the 8th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award dinner. He was the cynosure of all eyes. Adesina’s achievements shone like a million stars as he was named and honored as the African of the Year 2019, the most popular vote-based third-party endorsement in Africa.
The event which was themed ‘Africa for Africans – Exploring the Gains of a Connected Continent’, brought together dignitaries including South African Deputy President, David D Mabuza, South AfricanMinisters Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Lindiwe Zulu, and Dr. Ken Giami, Publisher of African Leadership Magazine.
In the keynote speech he delivered on the night, Adesina’s passion for the continent was seen as palpable, connecting with the attentive audience. Much as he deserved the honour by every standard, he nonetheless expressed deep humility in being recognised, clasifying his giant strides as ‘modest achievements and contributions to Africa’.
“Humbled to be nominated by what I gather to be 60% of the votes cast by some 1 million people, humbled to be at the helm of an organisation that is making a tremendous difference across Africa – the African Development Bank. An organisation that is daily making prosperity a reality,” he said.
He dedicated the award to his wife, Grace, the Board, staff, and colleagues at the bank, his mother, and “to the young mothers, struggling to bring up a child, to the farmer in search of a better tomorrow, to the youth of Africa longing for a better future, and to Africa’s journalists who risk their lives in helping to tell Africa’s true story.”
Seen as the visionary behind the African Development Bank’s High 5 strategy, he noted that the primary focus of the African Development Bank is “to light up and power Africa, to feed Africa, to industrialise Africa, to integrate Africa, and to improve the quality of life of the people of Africa. Five simple, strategic, and highly focused objectives.” The truth is he has never reneged in achieving the feats.
The African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards is now the most popular vote-based third-party endorsement in Africa.
In May 2021, he was honoured with a doctorate degree by the prestigious Makerere University, an effort that formed additional feather to a crown full of distinguished feathers.
We join the the world to celebrate your legacy of achievements and wish you many more years of service to humanity.
By Eric Elezuo and Ruth Akpan
As a testament to the enduring impact and love the inimitable Speaker of the Osun House, Rt. Hon Adewale Olumide Egbedun, has garnered from those around him, and beyond, a heartfelt thanksgiving service and sumptuous reception were organised to celebrate his entry into the ruby age.
Consequently, the beautiful city of Osogbo became abuzz as residents and well-wishers across the country gathered to celebrate the charismatic Speaker as he clocked 40 – a milestone birthday celebrating a legacy of dedication and service.
With the background belief that his existence and achievements in life are traceable to one source, Egbedun spared no expence to return all the glory to God Almighty. He therefore, kickstarted the celebrations with a thanksgiving service.
Attended by prominent figures from Nigeria’s political and economic spheres, the day’s festivities commenced with the arrival of the charismatic celebrant at African Church, Asi, Osun State, where the thanksgiving service was held in his honour.
As the congregation rose to welcome him, the celebrant took to the podium to deliver the Read Only Lesson, showcasing his spiritual eloquence. Before sharing his reflections, he regaled the audience with his favorite hymn, filling the sanctuary with soulful harmony.
In a heartfelt and inspiring sermon, Archbishop Michael Adeyemi, a revered spiritual leader, highlighted the Speaker’s virtues, accomplishments and unwavering commitment to public service- words that visibly moved the congregation, underscoring the significance of gratitude and celebration.
Following the thanksgiving service, guests made their way to the Oasis Event Centre, Oroki Extensive, Osogbo, where a lavish reception awaited. The event kicked off with an opening prayer, setting the tone for a joyous celebration.
In commemoration of the special occasion, the celebrant received a special birthday message from the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke. The message signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor read:
“It’s hearty for me to celebrate an exceptional legislator, Rt. Hon. Olumide Adewale Egbedun, as he turns 40 years old today. While many may see the numbers, I see the lives that the numbers counted for, the contributions to our dear state that made up the numbers, and the inspiration that his life serves to many.
“From the time that the baton of leadership has been passed on to him, Rt. Hon. Egbedun has been remarkable, coordinating the House of Assembly in such a way that it aligns with our administration’s efforts to transform lives and move Osun state forward. I’m particularly impressed by the Speaker’s ability to foster cooperation and unite interests for the common good of impacting lives.
“As he turns 40 today, I want to take a moment to compliment him for his sincerity of purpose and the unwavering dedication to shaping the state’s future. It is my prayer that God grants him many more happy and rewarding years just as it is my hope that he will continue to make meaningful contributions, not just for Osun state, but Nigeria as a whole.”
Governor Adeleke recognises the Speaker’s down-to-earth nature and a remarkable sense of purpose, expressing his deep admiration for the celebrant’s ability to bring diverse perspectives together to drive the objective of moving Osun state forward.
The Governor salutes Speaker Egbedun for the remarkable leadership he has shown in the House of Assembly, fostering cooperation through dialogue, acknowledging the pivotal role that the 8th Assembly under the Speaker’s guidance has played in the monumental achievements recorded by this administration.
Also celebrating the young Speaker, the Osun Amotekun Corps, in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Idowu Abass, the Board Chairman, AIG Wale Abbas (Rtd), alongside the Corps Commander, Chief Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele, praised Egbedun for his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to democratic values, and his continued support for the advancement of security and good governance in Osun State.
Describing the Speaker as a man of the people and a progressive legislator, the Amotekun Corps leadership commended Egbedun’s instrumental role in the swift and successful passage of the amendment to the Osun Amotekun Corps Constitution. The amendment has significantly strengthened the legal and operational framework of the Corps, thereby enabling it to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding lives and properties across the state.
“The Osun Amotekun Corps acknowledges with deep appreciation the leadership qualities of Rt. Hon. Egbedun, particularly his understanding of the importance of local security initiatives and his resolve to support institutions working towards the protection of our communities,” the statement read.
“As Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, his legislative insight and people-oriented approach continue to inspire a new generation of leaders across Osun State. His dedication to upholding laws that foster security, peace, and development reflects his deep commitment to the growth and welfare of our dear state.”
The Corps leadership further wished Speaker Egbedun good health, more wisdom, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead as he continues to serve the people of Osun State with passion and distinction.
Happy 40th Birthday, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun!
Everyone, including Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, who was given an opportunity to share their thoughts about the Speaker spoke glowingly, praising his role in good leadership, dedication and steadfast commitment to public service.
The highlight of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony supervised by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Anchored by Olalekan Fabilola (Masoyinbo), the evening was filled with laughter, music and merriment as guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of delectable cuisines and refreshing drinks.
The atmosphere was electric as the duo of renowned artists Dr. Yinka Ayefele and SB Live took to the stage to deliver captivating performances with their infectious rhythms and melodies.
In response, Hon Adewale Egbedun expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers for making his 40th birthday a memorable occasion.
Hon Egbedun was born on June 29, 1985, becoming the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly at the age of 38 in June 2023.
He had stated in his acceptance speech that the 8th assembly would prioritize workers welfare and citizens lives, improve infrastructure…
A thoroughbred individual, Hon Egbedun deserves all his flowers as he waddle through the ruby ages.
Congratulations sir!
By Eric Elezuo
“More than just selling cars, we are offering a complete ownership experience; Competitive pricing and flexible financing solutions; Comprehensive after-sales care; Certified pre-owned options; Expert maintenance and repairs; Customization and accessories tailored to your taste.
“But we are not stopping there. At the heart of New Era is a commitment to sustainability. We believe the future of mobility must be environmentally responsible. That’s why our lineup features a growing range of hybrid and electric vehicles, reducing emissions and moving us toward a greener tomorrow.
“We are also passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering environment. Today, I proudly celebrate our Auto Amazons — bold, brilliant women who are thriving in a space long dominated by men. You are trailblazers, and you deserve every accolade. At New Era, diversity and equity are not just values — they are guiding principles.
“Our team undergoes continuous training to deliver world-class service to every customer, regardless of gender, background, or status. Because here, every client matters, and every voice is heard.
“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to: Our principal, Jetour Mobility Services Nigeria Limited, for their vision and trust. My partner, Mr. Raf Abanum, for his steadfast support. And most importantly, our incredible staff, the backbone of this dream turned reality.
“To our future customers: We are here for you — to deliver not just vehicles, but memorable experiences, built on trust, quality, and excellence.
As we step boldly into this new chapter, I invite you all to join us — to drive with us into a future of innovation, sustainability, and shared success.”
Those were the power-packed words of the Chief Executive Officer as JETOUR begins a journey of Refining auto marketing in Nigeria.
With each impressive step, auto expert and entrepreneur, Mrs Oluwakemi Koyejo, known as Kemi by all and sundry, has continued to prove that ‘impossible’ is just another word not worthy of a second consideration. She has consistently broken barriers after barriers, placing herself top on the automobile ecosystem.
With a combination of stringent dedication, focus and commitment to her job description, she has successfully brought JETOUR cars to Nigeria under her New Era Automobile Services Limited.
This feat is in response of Nigeria’s quest for technologically advanced, affordable, and durable vehicles.
The special unveiling, performed under the supervision of the Chairman of Elizade Motors, owners of the Toyota franchise in Nigeria, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, who urged motor lovers to take advantage of the ruggedness and state-of-the-art facilities of the automotive, held at the company’s showroom at Lekki, Lagos, marking the debut of Nigeria’s first exclusive Jetour showroom in Lekki, Lagos State.
Speaking at the event that had all the trappingsof colourful, with close friends and family members including colleagues and stakeholders in the motoring sector, in attendance, the chairman of the event, who was privileged to perform the unveiling, Choef Ade-Ojo commended the dexterity, candour and never-say-never attitude of Koyejo and her team, stressing that the JETOUR brand is topnotch, and that its models aligns perfectly with the rugged terrain and challenging climatic conditions of the Nigerian roads and environments
He noted that “Jetour is not just a stylish automobile; it’s a durable companion built to meet Nigeria’s peculiar demands. It is encouraging to see an initiative that prioritises innovation, reliability, and a future-forward approach.”
In her welcome address, Mrs Koyejo, who sits atop the budding automotive company as the Managing Director, described the launch as more than just a business milestone, saying it is a commencement of a new vista in not only mobility in state-of-the-art car, but a wholesome customer satisfaction experience within Nigeria and other countries that would be connected.
“Today marks more than the opening of a showroom; it is the beginning of a bold journey to redefine automotive excellence in Nigeria.
“We are proud to unveil the first exclusive JETOUR dealership in the country, bringing world-class technology, luxury SUVs, rugged off-roaders, and innovative electric vehicles closer to the Nigerian market,” she said.
She emphasized that the facility would not only provide real-time access to Jetour vehicles but also serve as a hub for after-sales services, competitive pricing, flexible financing, and certified pre-owned options.
Koyejo also highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainability, revealing that New Era’s product portfolio includes an expanding line of hybrid and electric vehicles aimed at reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a greener environment.
She extended appreciation to Jetour Mobility Services Nigeria Limited for its support, and to her business partner, Mr. Raf Abanum, for his unwavering encouragement.
A major highlight of the unveiling was a tour of the new showroom, showcasing JETOUR’S ’s versatile range of vehicles, from luxury designs to adventure-ready models.
The facility is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and responsiveness to consumer needs in Nigeria’s highly competitive auto market.
Kemi Koyejo, a quintessential automotive has just taken a bold step towards redefining the Nigerian automotive landscape, and stakeholders, industry watchers as well as the general public, have said the sky is the limit in this human oriented endeavour.
Photos: Ken Ehimen
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