Adesina pledges to build new AfDB

The President of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has said he will work with shareholders to build a new bank with inclusive growth.

AfDB shareholders are from African and non-African countries.

Adesina said together we will 'build a stronger and more prosperous Africa, with smart infrastructure, energy for all, a strong private sector, new economic opportunities that will deliver quality jobs and hope for millions of youths and women, revival of Africa's rural economies to lift many out of poverty, and regional integration for shared prosperity'.

From rural areas to burgeoning cities, the AfDB helmsman said he has seen vast opportunities for a greater and more inclusive Africa and hopes to build on the work of his predecessor.

Adesina thanked 'former President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating him, his confidence, and his steadfast, enthusiastic support; President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong endorsement and rallying support for us and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her vital role and tremendous effort in delivering this successful outcome'.

He said: 'Dr. Okonjo-Iweala worked passionately for our campaign, and our success would have been impossible without her tireless work shepherding support among many of the esteemed finance ministers and governors at the AfDB.

'In addition, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Heads of State Generals Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar,  former Vice-Presidents Atiku Abubakar  and Namadi Sambo worked determinedly to build support for my candidacy.'