The Minister for agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, yesterday declared his vision for the African Development Bank, AfDB, if elected as the next president of the bank.
According to Adesina, his priority areas will include strategic investment in infrastructure, increased involvement of the private sector, job growth, particularly for youths and women, reviving rural economies for inclusive growth, and increased regional integration for shared prosperity.
The minister stated this in Washington DC, at a meeting with officials of the United States Atlantic Council, adding that Africa was not a poor continent, but must leverage its resources, including, but not limited to, international aid, to promote sustainable development.
He further harped on the importance of expansive, but inclusive, economic growth and development, which he said directly impacts on peace and stability across the continent.
At the discussion also was Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States, Professor Adebowale Adefuye, who said Adesina would make Nigeria proud at the AfDB because of his vast professional experience in agriculture.
The ambassador added that Adesina’s experience includes his four years as Nigeria’s agriculture and rural development minister, launching an innovative and effective electronic wallet system for Nigerian farmers, designed to increase access to, and affordability of agricultural inputs.
Comments