President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has paid a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari to express appreciation for his unwavering support during his tenure at the Bank.

Adesina’s second term as AfDB President concludes in September.

He said the visit was an opportunity to thank Buhari for backing his candidacy, first nominated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, and for standing by him during key moments in his leadership journey.

“He strongly stood by me in difficult times, which ensured my re-election. Thank you, Sir,” Adesina said.

He recalled how, during his initial campaign for the AfDB presidency, he arrived in one of the member countries only to be reminded that President Jonathan, who had nominated him, was on his way out of office.

Describing himself as a “stranded candidate,” Adesina recounted seeking a meeting with then-incoming President Buhari to secure his continued support.

During their recent meeting, Buhari reflected on their first encounter and commended Adesina’s integrity and professional achievements, noting that he had long admired his work.

Buhari affirmed that in spite of Adesina’s affiliation with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he supported individuals based on merit rather than party lines.

“I always look at people as Nigerians, and if they need assistance, I support them on their merit,” Buhari said.

The former president also congratulated Adesina on the official launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).

The initiative, a flagship programme under Adesina’s leadership aims at transforming agriculture and boosting agro-industrialization across Africa.

Adesina was first elected President of the AfDB in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the continent’s premier development finance institution.

His visit to Buhari is part of a series of courtesy calls and engagements as he prepares to conclude a decade of transformative leadership at the Bank. (NAN)