No Resting Time For Akinwunmi As He Bags Another High Profile Job

By Adesina Soyooye

Nigerian-born outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Adesina Akinwumi, has bagged another high profile job.

The cerebral Akinwumi who leaves office in August 2025 after a roaring successful tenure at the AfDB has just been appointed to the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.

His appointment was announced by its President, Mashal Husain, in a statement in New York.

Adesina, whose second term tenure – 10-years –  was a 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.

Said Husain: “President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr Norman Borlaug – transforming bold ideas into tangible impact.

“His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability and economic development across Africa makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors.

“We are honoured to welcome him back to the Foundation in this new role.”

The council of advisors, appointed by the foundation’s Board of Directors, include former Head’s of State and Government, Ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research and policy.

“They provide the board and staffers with insights and advice on advancing the mission of the organisation and Dr Norman Borlaug’s vision for the World Food Prize Foundation.

Adesina, according to the statement, has expressed deep honour over his  appointment to the Council.

Said Akinwumi: “I am deeply honoured to join the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.

“Dr Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor, but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey.

“As a Laureate, I carry his legacy with me, and I look forward to working with the Foundation to advance bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers, feed nations and transform our world.”

Adesina, Minister of Agriculture, under the President Goodluck Jonathan Administration, is an agriculture expert and a globally recognised Development Economist. He received the 2017 World Food Prize for his more than two decades of leadership and progress.

He worked with the Rockefeller Foundation as Vice President, Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

IHe was named the Forbes African Person of the Year in 2013.

Of Adesina, Tom Vilsack, CEO, World Food Prize Foundation said:  “Dr Adesina has long been a trailblazer in global agriculture and economic development.

“His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture, from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and fueling sustainable growth.

“Sharing Dr. Borlaug’s conviction that food is a powerful tool for peace and progress, Dr. Adesina brings both deep expertise and a shared moral compass to the Council of Advisors.”

Adesina, from Ogun State, Nigeria, has a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and will finish his second and final term as President of AfDB in September.