AfDB president bags honourary doctoral degree at FUT, Minna
The Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, has awarded the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, a honorary doctoral degree.
The honour was conferred at the institution’s 38th Founders’ Day and 30th Convocation ceremony in Minna on Wednesday, a statement issued by the bank said.
A former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Adesina told the graduating class of 2021, that as the new success stories of Nigeria, they stood on the brink of opportunities, having been prepared for success by a university focused on technology.
“Technology drives the world, as Minister of agriculture, I turned to the power of technology, mobile phones, to provide 15 million farmers with access to improved seeds and fertilisers, end corruption in the sector.
“It was revolutionary, the first, not only in Africa, but in the world. It helped Nigeria to produce a record additional 21 million metric tons of food.
“It boosted food security and expanded wealth for farmers, from the North East, North West, North Central, South West, East, and South-South of the country.
“It brought transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” he said.
He said that several Nigerian Fintech entrepreneurs were already using technology to deliver digital payment systems with three of them (Interswitch, Pay Pal and Flutterwave) reaching the one billion dollar mark.
Adesina said African Fintechs raised 1.4 billion dollars in 2020, three times what was raised in 2019, and in 2021 they raised about five billion dollars.
The bank’s president highlighted the critical roles of technology for enhancing security systems, military reconnaissance and intelligence.
He also emphasised its use in satellite imagery and remote sensing to track the effects of climate change, artificial intelligence and drones to deliver agricultural inputs and medical supplies to remote locations.
“The bank is preparing the youth of Africa to lead in the new digital economy.
“We have just provided 170 million dollars to Nigeria to help drive its I-DICE initiative that will help expand the digital industry and grow jobs in the creative industries.
“You have been shaped in Minna, for export to other parts of Nigeria, Africa and the world.
“Build a new Nigeria, a smart Nigeria, a dynamic Nigeria, a globally competitive Nigeria.
“It is in your hands. Now go and make it happen. I wish you good success and God’s richest blessings. Congratulations!”
The statement said that Adesina used the occasion to publicly acknowledge President Muhammadu Buhari, several former heads of state, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the roles they played in his election as President of the AfDB Group.
“I am especially grateful to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took me under his wings and lobbied extremely hard for me when I was seeking election for President of AfDB in 2015.
“He spoke with the then President-elect Muhammadu Buhari who in turn provided me with strong support.
“He also reached out to President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to rally support behind me.
“You have been a key part of my success. I wish to use this time to acknowledge that publicly and thank you most sincerely. Your Excellency, I am grateful sir.”
It also said that following the ceremony, Adesina paid courtesy calls on Former Heads of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Abubakar.
