In a compelling address at the conferment of the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, outlined a visionary blueprint for Nigeria’s resurgence. Adesina’s holistic strategy underscores the critical importance of implementing aggressive policies focused on food security, universal health coverage, housing, education, true federalism, and fiscal accountability across Nigeria’s 36 states. This approach, he asserts, is essential for steering Nigeria away from the precipice and propelling it towards a trajectory of continental progress and prosperity.
The ceremony, a vibrant gathering in Lagos, saw the presence of an illustrious assembly, including five African presidents and former Nigerian Heads of State, all united in their recognition of Adesina’s transformative leadership and contributions to Africa’s development. Notable attendees included representatives from Tanzania, Comoros, Ethiopia, and Togo, alongside former Nigerian presidents and other distinguished guests from various sectors. Their collective endorsement of Adesina underscores the far-reaching impact of his work and the alignment of his vision with the aspirations of leaders across the continent.
Adesina, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, highlighted the enduring hope for a Nigeria characterized by accessible education, comprehensive healthcare, and infrastructural excellence. He lamented the missed opportunities for Nigeria to achieve greatness under Awolowo’s potential presidency, which he described as the embodiment of welfarist and people-centric governance. Adesina’s commitment to these principles has been a constant in his career, driving his efforts to enact transformative policies that prioritize the well-being of the populace.
In his lecture, Adesina emphasized the urgent need to revitalize rural economies, particularly through agricultural innovation, to achieve food security and elevate millions from poverty. He reminisced about the ‘farm revolution’ years during his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighting the substantial progress made and the challenges that have since emerged, including a dramatic increase in the price of staple foods like rice.
Adesina also addressed the crucial areas of healthcare and education, pointing out the alarming statistics of out-of-school children and the dire state of university education in Nigeria. He advocated for substantial public policy reforms, community engagement, and increased investments to reverse these trends and ensure that Nigeria’s youth are adequately educated and healthy.
Furthermore, Adesina called for accountability in governance and fiscal decentralization as key components of true federalism. He argued for a governance model that allows states to harness their unique resources and capabilities, thereby fostering financial autonomy and reducing dependency on the federal government. This restructuring, according to Adesina, is vital for Nigeria’s economic rejuvenation and long-term stability.
The event also served as a platform for other leaders to echo the sentiments of Adesina’s vision. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, lauded Chief Awolowo’s timeless principles, while President Samia Hassan of Tanzania and other dignitaries acknowledged Adesina’s role in embodying these ideals on a continental scale.
As the fourth recipient of the Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership, Adesina joins a distinguished group of laureates, including Prof. Wole Soyinka, Thabo Mbeki, and Are Afe Babalola, who have been recognized for their exceptional leadership and commitment to Africa’s development. The accolade reaffirms Adesina’s status as a change-maker whose initiatives have significantly impacted millions across the continent.
In conclusion, Dr Akinwumi Adesina’s receipt of the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership marks a significant milestone in a career dedicated to Africa’s advancement. His strategic vision for Nigeria, centered on food security, health, education, and governance reform, offers a hopeful and pragmatic roadmap for the nation’s revival. As leaders and stakeholders rally around Adesina’s call to action, the prospects for a new Nigeria, characterized by prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainable development, become increasingly attainable.
Source: The Guardian
