AMERICAN TOP DIPLOMAT THROWS WEIGHT AKINWUMI ADESINA,SAYS HE’S A GLOBAL PLAYER OF IMPECCABLE CHARACTER

The first United States Executive Director of African Development Bank (AfDB), Ambassador Harold H. Doley, JR, has described President of the bank, Akinwumi Adesina as a global player of impeccable character that deserves the support of United States of America.

In an OP-ed letter to US Secretary of the Treasury, Steven Mnuchin dated May 29, Doley said, “t is an acknowledged fact that Akinwumi Adesina is a global player of impeccable character who has helped mobilize billions of dollars into Africa and helped accelerate the continent’s development.

“It is why the executive committee of the Africa Union, speaking for 55 African countries, unanimously endorsed him as the sole candidate for re-election to a second term.

“This is vital for Africa’s continued economic growth, infrastructure and investment.

“It is traditional at multilateral development institutions that sole candidates be reelected by acclamation.

“Therefore, Mr Secretary, the people of America implore you to use your good offices to continue to support Africa, the African Development Bank and President Adesina in his bid for re-election; and that you walk in lockstep with African Governors and Finance Ministers.”

He recalled becoming a full shareholder in the AfDB in 1983 the US has played a leadership role as the Bank’s largest non-regional (non-African) shareholder, and the second-largest overall.

“Since taking office in 2015, the current and 8th President of the Bank, the US trained and globally renowned Akinwumi Adesina, rapidly restructured the bank and refined its focus through a High 5 strategy that has directly impacted the lives of millions of Africans.