President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, congratulated former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his 60th, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, on his 65th birthday, and the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at Arise News Television, Mr Adebayo Awosemo, who just turned 70 years old.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at Fayemi’s birthday symposium in Abuja, commended him for seeking solution to the leadership question, not only in Nigeria but also in Africa.
In a speech titled: “Africa in The Post-Idea World” at Fayemi’s Commemorative Symposium and Launch of the Amandla Policy and Leadership Institute, Tinubu stressed that the world has never suffered from a scarcity of ideas, but noted that nations and civilisations had risen on the strength of visionaries, and they have also crumbled under the weight of ideas left in the dusty cupboard of time.
The president said Fayemi and his wife, Bisi, understood this, adding that the Amandla Institute for Policy & Leadership Advancement would have been just another think-tank for empty theories and fancy talk shows if it were not the brainchild of minds that have had the privilege of fusing intellectual rigour with actionable courage.
“Dr. Fayemi’s legacy, from pro-democracy activism to public administration, teaches us that leadership in this era demands more than ideation.
“It requires the stamina to execute, the grit to dismantle barriers, and the wisdom to see the inventions of the current wave of the Industrial Revolution not as a threat, but as a tool to reclaim Africa’s agency.”
Tinubu was of the opinion that the founding of Amandla Institute emerged as an antidote to this paralysis, saying the world was not waiting for Africa to catch up.
“Whatever our differences across the continent, one fact that can’t be eroded by our infighting is that we are in the age of machines, and we can’t fight our development dilemma with spears and arrows while the rest of the world is fighting the same battle with missiles and tanks,” he said.
In a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president also rejoiced with Adesina, aformer Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, whose leadership of national and multilateral institutions, he said, has continued to set new standards of innovativeness, transformation, and sustainable development.
Tinubu affirmed that the numerous recognitions and awards bestowed on the versatile and cerebral technocrat are well deserved, following his track record of inspiring growth and development, mainly targeting the poor and vulnerable to reduce poverty.
He acknowledged Adesina’s impactful leadership at the helm of the AfDB, which took the institution to historic heights by raising the capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion.
Tinubu believed that the economic diplomacy of the AfDB president has repositioned Nigeria and the whole of Africa for greater prosperity.
He also believed the foresight, wisdom, and experience of the former Vice President of Policy and Partnerships for the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) would always be relevant and integral to Africa’s development.
In yet another statement, also by Onanuga, joined other well wishers in honouring the veteran journalist and public relations consultant, Awosemo, for his service to the nation.
Tinubu highlighted Awosemo’s career at the National Television Authority (NTA), where he played a critical role in creating some of the network’s most popular broadcasts during the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.
With 28 years of service, Awosemo left his mark as Manager of News and Head of Current Affairs with programmes such as Newsline, Periscope, and The Platform.
Beyond NTA, Awosemo’s career includes contributions as Director of Information and Logistics at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and as Manager in External and Government Affairs at Addax Petroleum.
As Deputy Managing Director at Arise TV, Awosemo has shaped narratives about Nigeria and enhanced its domestic and international image.
As Awosemo reaches this milestone, Tinubu commended his unwavering dedication to nurturing younger media professionals. The president prayed for Awosemo’s continued longevity, health, and happiness and wished him and his family a joyous celebration.
At the same time, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Adesina as a good ambassador of Nigeria and Africa.
The governor said the AfDB President has distinguished himself in office as the head of the international organisation.
“Dr. Adesina is worth celebrating for being a good ambassador of Nigeria and Africa at large. He has been a good administrator and technocrat in different public offices at national and international levels in the last three decades.
“He turned agriculture around in Nigeria during his tenure as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He has also brought more development to the African continent as the President of the African Development Bank.
“On this occasion of Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina’s 65th birthday, I wish him good health and wisdom as he continues to render more services to humanity, our dear country, the African continent, and the world.”
Also, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, in his message, hailed Adesina as an economic visionary whose contributions have significantly influenced the landscape of Africa’s development.
Abiodun noted the remarkable journey of Dr. Adesina since he took the helm of the AfDB in 2015.
“Under his stewardship, the African Development Bank has transformed into a beacon of hope and progress for our continent,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that Adesina’s leadership has not only enhanced the bank’s reputation but has also fortified its role as a pivotal institution dedicated to the economic upliftment of African nations.
“Dr. Adesina embodies the essence of leadership, inspiring others to strive for excellence and fostering a unifying spirit among African countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, speaking, too, at Fayemi’s symposium, a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, said he was delighted to see a new generation of leaders like Fayemi and his wife, who embody the values of integrity, compassion, and selfless service.
He added that the occasion marked not only the beginning of a significant initiative but also a commitment to the values of compassion, community, and progress that we hold dear.
Gowon emphasised that Fayemi’s ideals and vision was a testament to his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, saying he had no doubt that it would make a significant impact in the lives of many.
His words: “As I look back on my own life and legacy, I am reminded of the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to the service of our great nation.
“Dr. Fayemi’s journey is a shining example of these values, and I have no doubt that he will continue to inspire and motivate others to follow in his footsteps.”
Earlier, in a keynote address, former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, said development aspirations and targets across Africa had largely not been met due to a multiplicity of factors, including inadequate resource mobilisation and poor leadership.
He noted that the way forward, in the context of the establishment of a global multipolar order, was for African leaders to prepare adequately to position the continent correctly in order for it to participate actively in the determination of the global agenda.
According to him, “Our continent must pay particular attention to the development of the right leadership capable of defending and advancing our vast interests within the context of competing global players and in a situation of continuing globalisation and institution of a multipolar order.”
He expressed optimism that the launch of the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement will go a long way in the actualisation of Africa’s ideals and increase her chances of participating actively in the establishment of multipolar order.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event included the UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed; former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Also in attendance were Governors Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele; former Governors Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Babangida Aliyu of Niger, and Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, among others.
Deji Elumoye and Adedayo Akinwale
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