This comes as Dr Sidi Tah was elected the next President of the bank yesterday at its AGM. Dr. Adesina’s tenure at the helm of the AfDB will end in August after a decade marked by bold reforms, institutional strengthening and landmark development financing across Africa.

In a heartfelt message, Buhari lauded Adesina’s accomplishments and reflected on his role in backing the economist’s rise to the AfDB presidency. “I have seen Dr. Adesina, a son of Nigeria, put up a spectacular performance in the African Development Bank after two terms,” Buhari said. “As his tenure ends and a successor is emerging, records show that he has set such a great, unmatched record of excellence, leaving shareholders far happier than they had ever been. I am happy with the role I played in bringing his talent forward.”

He praised the integrity, discipline, and determination that defined Adesina’s leadership, highlighting the personal qualities that enabled him to overcome challenges and deliver results that resonated far beyond Nigeria.

“The outgoing AfDB president is blessed with a special talent, combined with hope, faith, a firm resolve and confidence, with which he overcame all odds to stand out as a beacon of inspiration to others,” Buhari said.

As Adesina prepares to hand over to a successor, Buhari offered his best wishes, saying, “I wish him greater strength and success in his future endeavours.”

Adesina leaves the AfDB as one of its most celebrated leaders, having steered the institution through turbulent global times while scaling up its role in Africa’s development, infrastructure financing, and economic integration.