Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, has been awarded the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, a prestigious biennial honor celebrating exemplary democratic and developmental leadership in Africa. The prize was announced by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the Obafemi Awolowo Prize Selection Committee, who praised Adesina’s dedication to transforming Africa through impactful initiatives that echo the leadership ideals of Chief Awolowo.

A proponent of agricultural reform, Adesina implemented major initiatives in Nigeria, including the e-wallet system that allowed millions of farmers direct access to government-subsidized agricultural inputs, effectively reducing corruption in the fertilizer sector. Since joining AfDB, Adesina launched the “High 5s” strategy, aiming to energize Africa’s economic growth by prioritizing electrification, food security, industrialization, integration, and quality of life improvements. Under his leadership, the AfDB capital base more than doubled, strengthening the bank’s capacity to tackle continental challenges.

Chief Anyaoku highlighted that Adesina’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress and his legacy of people-centered policies align with Chief Awolowo’s vision for transformative leadership. Recognized by global figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, Adesina has championed initiatives addressing hunger, poverty, and youth empowerment, including his founding of the World Hunger Fighters Foundation to support young advocates. Adesina will formally receive the award on March 6, 2024, in honor of Chief Awolowo’s birthday.