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The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has praised the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his impactful leadership and exceptional service during his two-term tenure.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by CUPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, the group described Adesina’s time at the AfDB as revolutionary and transformational, emphasizing that he significantly enhanced the bank’s global competitiveness and institutional performance.
Highlighting some of his achievements, CUPP noted that under Adesina’s leadership, key initiatives such as Africa 50, a leading infrastructure investment platform now managing assets worth over $7 billion, were launched. His efforts also saw massive financial backing for various African institutions including the African Union (AU), the Africa CDC, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Through the African Investment Forum, launched in 2018, Adesina mobilized over $225 billion in investment interests for the continent—an unprecedented milestone in Africa’s development drive.
CUPP also highlighted Adesina's global recognition for financial innovation, especially when the AfDB became the first multilateral development bank to implement synthetic securitization in 2015. This strategic move elevated AfDB’s global standing, attracting partnerships with the G7, G20, and maintaining a top-tier AAA credit rating throughout his leadership—even amid the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Under Dr. Adesina’s leadership, AfDB recorded its highest income in over six decades,” the statement read. “He has served Nigeria and Africa with excellence and integrity.”
CUPP is now calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour Dr. Adesina with the nation’s highest national award, noting that countries like Kenya have already honoured him, and Nigeria should do the same to celebrate one of its finest ambassadors.
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