Human rights activist Shehu Sani has advised the outgoing President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, not to be misled by the enticing promises of politicians who may abandon him later, as their support is often temporary.
Sani made this statement following Adesina’s appearance on Arise TV on Monday, February 10, 2025, where Adesina said, “he will be available to serve in any capacity, globally, in Africa, anywhere, including his own country, Nigeria.”
Sani cautioned that politicians are prone to betrayal and encouraged Adesina to continue his valuable work for the development of Africa.
“My friend Adeshina should not be misled by the sweet songs and drumbeats of politicians to jump into their crocodiles and shark-infested political streams and later abandon him midway. They have a seasonal mischievous history of motivating the zebra to take on the tiger. Continue your great work for our African Continent.”
Adesina expressed displeasure at the exodus of young people out of the country and blamed it on the poor management of financial institutions, which do not lend to young entrepreneurs who are willing to develop the country through their resourcefulness.
“I look at all the commercial banks in Africa, and I see that we’re not lending to young people. All our young people are flying out, and that makes me ashamed as the president of the African Development Bank. I can’t take it,”
He revealed that the AfDB is launching Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks dedicated solely to providing capital for young entrepreneurs. Adesina believes this initiative will unlock Africa’s potential and foster homegrown tech innovators and business leaders.
“Why can’t we have Zuckerbergs coming out of Africa? Why can’t we have Bill Gates coming out of Africa?”
“I’m impatient with Africa’s underdevelopment, and I think we need to move much faster,” Adesina said. “Why should everything good in African people’s lives be in the future? We’ve got to be able to solve big problems very quickly because the poor can’t wait.”
