The President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has criticised superficial political empowerment programmes and called for substantial investments in youth businesses and ideas to drive sustainable development.
Adesina made the criticism on Friday in his keynote address at the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) Primates and wives’ Retreat in Abuja.
He spoke on the topic “Food Security and Financial Sustainability in Africa: The Role of the Church”.
Rather he advocated youth investment in Nigeria’s agri-business.
Adesina underscored the vital role of youth in revolutionising Nigeria’s agricultural sector and highlighted the success stories of some young entrepreneurs.
The former Minister of Agriculture recounted his symbolic decision to wear a bowtie during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture in order to make the sector more appealing to young Nigerians.
According to him, the effort is part of a broader strategy to rebrand agriculture as a viable and attractive career path for the youth.
Adesina urged religious and government leaders to support AfDB’s Enable Youth in Agriculture programme, a $490 million initiative designed to foster youth-led agri-businesses across Africa.
He said the programme had already supported 41,000 businesses and created 63,000 jobs, showcasing significant potential for economic growth.
