The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has been elevated to the rank of Grand Officer in the Order of Merit of the Republic of Niger on behalf of the President of the Republic, Issoufou Mahamadou, during a gala dinner hosted by Nigerien Prime Minister Brigi Rafini at the Gaweye Hotel in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
The award was bestowed on Dr. Akinwumi Adesina during a two-day official visit to the Sahelian country. The award was in recognition of Adesina’s visible and tireless commitment to the rapid economic development of the African continent through the implementation of the Bank’s priorities as set out in the High 5s: Light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.
In the words of Dr. Akinwumi:
“I am both surprised and very touched by the honor you have given me. I ask you to convey to his Excellency the President of the Republic my deepest thanks.
The African Development Bank will continue to finance many other projects in Niger, particularly in agriculture and energy.”
Since December 17, 1970, the African Development Bank has been actively involved with Niger in a variety of projects, with a total funding amounting to US $1.4 billion as of August 31, 2017, (nearly 840 billion CFA francs) largely for rural development.
