Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community is aglow with pride as it celebrates one of its most illustrious alumni, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), on his recent conferment with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya’s highest national honour. This prestigious recognition, bestowed upon him recently by His Excellency, President William Ruto of Kenya at a State House event in Nairobi, underscores Dr. Adesina’s monumental contributions to continental development and his very strong commitment to Africa’s progress.
Speaking on behalf of the University management and the entire OAU community, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Adesina for this well-deserved honour. “This accolade is a testament to his exceptional leadership at the helm of the African Development Bank, headquartered in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, where he has been a beacon of transformative change, driving sustainable development across the continent. His remarkable efforts, as acknowledged by President Ruto, include his impactful work through initiatives like the Rockefeller Foundation, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and the AfDB itself,
which have collectively advanced Africa’s agricultural and economic landscapes,” the VC said.
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Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a graduate of Agricultural Economics from OAU, has been a shining example of the excellence that defines Great Ife. His academic journey at our institution laid a solid foundation for a career that has since soared to global heights. From his tenure as Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Agriculture, where he revolutionized the sector with innovative policies, to his current role as AfDB President, Dr. Adesina has consistently demonstrated the intellectual rigor, visionary leadership, and ethical grounding that are hallmarks of an OAU education. His contributions have not only earned him this prestigious Kenyan honour but also the Nigerian national honours, including the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), reflecting his enduring impact on both national and continental stages.
According to Professor Bamire, “what makes this moment even more special for us at OAU is Dr. Adesina’s longstanding connection with his alma mater. As an honorary degree awardee of this University and a staunch supporter of its development, he has remained a fantastic advertisement for the Great Ife brand. His achievements resonate deeply with our core values of excellence, integrity, and service to humanity, inspiring generations of students and alumni to dream big and make a difference. Dr. Adesina’s journey from the hallowed halls of OAU to the pinnacle of global leadership is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to lead with purpose.”
The conferment of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart on Dr. Adesina marks him as only the 20th recipient of this honour since Kenya’s independence in 1963, placing him in the esteemed company of global icons such as Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II, and Kofi Annan. This recognition not only elevates Dr. Adesina’s legacy but also amplifies the global visibility of Obafemi Awolowo University as a cradle of excellence, producing leaders who shape the world.
