The Evangelical Christian Union (ECU) has urged political class leaders to emulate the leadership role of Dr Akinwunmi Adesina in order to find a lasting solution to the socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
Adesina, is the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Mr Jide Bakare, the President, ECU Alumni, Obafemi Awolowo University, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.
The religious based student group made the assertion, while commenting on the outstanding qualities of Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Bakare noted that Akinwunmi’s capacity had been well tested at the continental level and it remained untainted.
He described the AfDB chief as one who exemplifies the requirement of leadership Nigeria needs presently.
“We encourage all the leaders, political class and aspiring politicians in Nigeria to emulate these noble principles and values as displayed by the former minister.
“This is in the quest to find lasting solutions to the myriads of socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
“In the words of the great Satirist and Anglican Cleric of old, Jonathan Swift, who said that whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before.
“Then he would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together,” he said
Bakare said that this notion was directly a product of the values instilled in all members of the ECU alumni Obafemi Awolowo University of which Adesina was a worthy ambassador.
He said Akinwunmi, who earlier this month received The Guardian Newspaper man of year award was celebrated by the alumni for being a worthy ambassador of the body.
Bakare recounted that while receiving the award, a striking remark clearly stands him out, Adesina was able to weather the storm against the allegation of corruption in the running of the continental body in 2020.
The union president said Adesina belongs to an illustrious African pedigree and abiding ethos that his backbiters underrated, if they know of them.
He noted that the former minister was a true representation and worthy ambassador of the ECU Alumni Fellowship, depicting integrity, resilience, honesty, diligence, poise, and creativity.
Bakare said that award would spur the African Development Bank helmsman into devoting himself more into the dedicated task of steering the African continent into her era of socio-economic development.
He added that this was through his five priorities which involved lighting up and powering Africa, feeding the continent, industrializing Africa, integrating Africa, and improving the quality of life for the people of Africa.
