25/03/2025
OAU Rejoices with Alumnus, Akinwumi Adesina on Conferment with Kenya’s Highest National Honour
Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community is aglow with pride as it celebrates one of its most illustrious alumni, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), on his recent conferment with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya’s highest national honour.
Kenya’s President H.E. William Samoei Ruto conferred the country’s highest honour, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart CGH, on the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina recently.
In its citation, the Kenyan government recognized Adesina as a distinguished economist and a global development leader.
“He transformed the African Development Bank into a globally recognized institution for financial innovation and development impact and under his leadership, the Bank’s general capital grew from $93 billion to $318 billion,” the citation reads.
Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967 and first awarded to Kenya’s founding father and former President, H.E. Jomo Kenyatta.
In his acceptance speech, he said: “I am greatly humbled by your incredible kindness! What a great honour! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!”
Adesina spoke about Kenya’s special place in the history of the Bank since its establishment in 1964. Since then, the Bank has financed a total of 167 projects in Kenya, with financial commitment of $7.8 billion.
Congratulations Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
