The crème of the Nigerian agricultural sector converged on Saturday, 12th December 2015 at the Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Reason: the conferment of a honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree on the President of the African Development Bank(AfDB) and former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The conferment was done by the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar ,the Etsu Nupe and the Vice Chancellor,Professor Idowu Bamitale Omole, who showered Dr. Adesina with ample encomiums, and chronicled his immense contributions to Nigerian agriculture, which culminated in his AfDB appointment.
Other honorees include elder statesman and renowned entrepreneur, Oyekunle Alex-Duduyemi, and iconic Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)
Special guests who graced the occasion include the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,Chief Audu Ogbe, wife offormer Governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Solid Minerals,Mrs Bisi Fayemi, and Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okogie.
Dr. Adesina was Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development between 2011 and 2015. On May 28, 2015, he was elected to become the President of the African Development Bank. He is the eight president in the organization’s history, and the first Nigerian to hold the post.
He aggressively implemented bold policy reforms and pursued innovative agricultural investment programs to expand opportunities for the private sector, moving Nigerian agriculture away from subsistence to the business model.
Dr. Adesina is a consummate scholar of African agriculture and economics, with more than 20 years of experience managing successful agricultural programs across Africa.
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