Prof. Charles Ayo, a former Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, has congratulated Dr Akinwumi Adesina for his re-election as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) for a second term of five years.
Ayo, presently the Vice-Chancellor, Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos congratulated Adesina on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun.
NAN reports that Adesina was on Aug. 27 re-elected for a second term.
“Let me start by joining the global opinion leaders to congratulate the helmsman of AfDB, Dr. Adesina on his re-election.
“I also congratulate him for surviving the international conspiracy that was aimed at smearing his good name and his monumental accomplishments in office as the AfDB President.
“Adesina did not only come out of it cleaner but has another five years to steer the fortunes of the organisation to stardom.”
Ayo recalled that upon assumption of office in 2015, like any global visionary leader, he unveiled his 5-point agenda christened the “High 5s”.
He said that was a strategic agenda designed to provide transformational development for Africa over a 10-year period.
The don further said that the agenda covered areas such as electricity, agriculture, industrialisation, integration, and improved livelihood.
According to him, the probe that was designed to truncate his ambition for the second term in office ended up unfolding his administrative and leadership qualities.
He said that his desires to transform the fortunes of Africa to a sustainable level of independence from the world imperialists was laudable.
Ayo said that of a particular interest was his avowed commitment to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Agenda 2063 poised for a change which he was well prepared for.
He urged Adesina to add education to his strategic agenda during his second term, adding that about 90 per cent of the fortunes of Nigeria and perhaps, Africa was lost to capital flight.
“The major contracts in road construction, oil and gas, transportation to mention a few are being handled by foreign companies.
“The reason for this is not unconnected with poor funding and lack of commitment to education.
“I wish to advocate special grants for private Institutions as the best universities in the world are privately owned, such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard to mention a few.
“Similarly in Nigeria, universities such as Covenant, Redeemer’s, Babcock and ABUAD among others are making waves.”
The also advised Adesina to make concerted efforts to take over greater challenges toward the total liberation and development of the African continent.(NAN)
