The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabi’u Mudi, honored an invitation from the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to Côte d’Ivoire, as the esteemed economist and development leader marked his 65th birthday.
The celebration, held in Abidjan, was a testament to Dr. Adesina’s enduring impact on Africa’s agricultural transformation, food security, and economic development. The event drew top government officials, Nigerian governors, business leaders, legislators, and international development partners, all gathered to celebrate a visionary leader whose policies have shaped the continent’s progress.
The AFAN president’s presence at the event underscored the strong ties between Nigeria’s agricultural sector and AfDB’s initiatives. As a key advocate for Nigerian farmers, he has championed mechanized farming, farmer-friendly policies, and global partnerships to enhance agricultural productivity.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mudi praised Dr. Adesina’s unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence:
“Today, we celebrate not just Dr. Adesina’s 65 years of life but also his immeasurable contributions to Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape. His vision of agriculture as the backbone of economic growth has uplifted millions of smallholder farmers, not only in Nigeria but across the continent.”
Dr. Adesina, a globally recognized development expert and former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, has dedicated his career to empowering African farmers, reforming agricultural policies, and promoting sustainable economic growth. His leadership at AfDB has driven transformative programs like the Feed Africa Strategy, aimed at achieving agricultural self-sufficiency across the continent.
Dr. Mudi reaffirmed AFAN’s commitment to collaborating with AfDB to ensure Nigerian farmers benefit from key initiatives addressing productivity, climate resilience, and global food security challenges.
“As Nigerian farmers, we remain committed to supporting policies that drive food security, increase yield, and enhance profitability. We will continue to engage with key stakeholders, including the African Development Bank, to ensure our farmers thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape,” Dr. Mudi stated.
He emphasized that Dr. Adesina’s 65th birthday was more than just a milestone—it was a celebration of a life dedicated to service, innovation, and Africa’s advancement.
“Dr. Adesina’s contributions to agricultural transformation, economic development, and youth empowerment will continue to shape the future of Africa. His work is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of agriculture as a tool for prosperity,” Dr. Mudi added.
