AFAN National President honours Adesina’s Invitation as he clocks 65

By Abdu Saidu

National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Dr. Farouk Rabi’u Mudi, honoured the invitation of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, to Côte d’Ivoire as the renowned economist and development expert marked his 65th birthday.

The distinguished event, which took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, was evidence of Dr. Adesina’s lasting influence as an advocate for food security, agricultural reform, and African economic growth.

Top government officials, Nigerian governors, business leaders, legislators, and international development partners attended the event to honor the visionary leader’s enormous contributions to the continent’s development.

Representing Nigerian farmers, Dr. Mudi’s presence at the ceremony underlined the intimate linkages between Nigeria’s agricultural sector and the African Development Bank’s activities.

As the National President of AFAN, Dr. Mudi has been at the vanguard of advocating for farmers’ rights, pushing for mechanized farming, and ensuring that Nigerian farmers benefit from global agricultural policies.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Mudi lauded Dr. Adesina’s relentless pursuit of agricultural excellence, stating:

“Today, we celebrate not only Dr. Adesina’s 65 years of life but also his incalculable impact on Africa’s agricultural and economic landscape. His support for agriculture as the engine of economic growth has uplifted millions of smallholder farmers, not just in Nigeria but throughout the entire continent.”

As a well-known economist, former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture, and internationally recognized development specialist, Dr. Adesina has devoted his professional life to empowering African farmers, transforming agricultural laws, and promoting sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. Impactful programs, such as the Feed Africa Strategy, which aims to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency throughout African countries, have been fueled by his leadership at AfDB.

Furthermore, Dr. Mudi reaffirmed AFAN’s commitment to working alongside AfDB to ensure that Nigerian farmers benefit from initiatives aimed at boosting productivity and resilience in the face of climate change and global food crises.

“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 that our farmers thrive in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape,” Dr. Mudi noted.

According to Dr. Mudi, he said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s 65th birthday celebration was more than just a milestone—it was a recognition of a life dedicated to service, innovation, and the betterment of Africa. His contributions to agricultural transformation, economic development, and youth empowerment will continue to shape the continent’s future.

Dr. Mudi also said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s 65th birthday celebration was more than just a milestone; it was a recognition of a life dedicated to service, innovation, and the betterment of Africa. His contributions to agricultural transformation, economic development, and youth empowerment will continue to shape the continent’s future.