Dr. Adesina Advocates for Welfarist Policies and People-Centered Development in Africa

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, delivered a compelling call to action for leaders in Nigeria and across Africa to prioritise poverty eradication through welfarist policies and people-centered development. Speaking at the prestigious Awolowo Prize for Leadership ceremony in Lagos, Adesina outlined a vision for a new Nigeria characterised by inclusive growth and equitable access to essential services.

The event, attended by current and former African presidents, underscored the significance of Adesina’s message in shaping the continent’s future trajectory. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who chaired the ceremony, hailed Adesina as a dynamic and visionary leader, highlighting his transformative impact on Africa’s development landscape.

Adesina stressed five critical areas that demand urgent attention from Nigerian and African leaders:

1. Transformation of Rural Economies and Food Security: Adesina stressed the pivotal role of agriculture in uplifting rural communities, which comprise 70% of Africa’s population. He highlighted the African Development Bank’s investments in agricultural initiatives, including the development of Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, aimed at boosting productivity and improving livelihoods.
2. Healthcare for All: Recognising the importance of universal health coverage, Adesina called for concerted efforts to address Africa’s healthcare challenges. He emphasised the need for investments in healthcare infrastructure, digitalization of health systems, and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
3. Education for All: Adesina underscored the urgency of providing inclusive and quality education to all Nigerians/Africans, particularly addressing the issue of out-of-school children. He cited the African Development Bank’s support for education programs, such as the IDICE program in Nigeria, aimed at fostering digital and creative enterprises to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
4. Housing for All: Adesina highlighted the need for welfarist policies to ensure access to affordable housing for all Nigerians/Africans. He emphasised the distinction between upgrading slums and providing decent housing, calling for investments in housing infrastructure to address the housing deficit and improve living standards.
5. Government Accountability and Fiscal Decentralisation: Adesina stressed the importance of citizen engagement and government accountability in driving development outcomes. He advocated for greater fiscal decentralisation to empower states and enhance transparency and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Adesina’s vision for a new Nigeria/Africa resonated with attendees, including prominent African leaders and dignitaries, who lauded his exemplary leadership and transformative initiatives. The ceremony underscored the significance of leadership in driving positive change and advancing the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a Nigerian nationalist and federalist leader.

As the recipient of the Awolowo Prize for Leadership, Adesina’s advocacy for welfarist policies and people-centered development reflects a commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth in Africa. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to addressing Africa’s development challenges position him as a catalyst for change and a beacon of hope for the continent’s future prosperity.

Read more
Source: African Development Bank