Adesina’s Emotional Daura Visit: Honors Buhari, Boosts AfDB’s Nigeria Impact

 Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), paid a heartfelt visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari at his home in Daura, Katsina State, on April 16, 2025, expressing gratitude for Buhari’s unwavering support during challenging times. 

Adesina, re-elected as AfDB president in 2024, recalled Buhari’s backing during 2020 allegations of financial misconduct, which an independent investigation later dismissed, allowing Adesina to continue leading the bank’s $200 billion portfolio. 

The visit, described as a private courtesy call, coincided with Easter celebrations and drew Katsina Governor Dikko Radda and 500 local supporters, who gathered outside Buhari’s residence.

Adesina praised Buhari’s 2015-2023 presidency for strengthening Nigeria’s role in the AfDB, which holds a 30% share and benefits 400 million Africans through infrastructure and agriculture projects. He highlighted a $2 billion AfDB loan to Nigeria in 2024, addressing 40% food inflation and supporting 20 million farmers. 

Buhari, now 82, expressed pride in Adesina’s global leadership, noting the bank’s 10% annual growth under his tenure. The meeting underscored Buhari’s enduring influence in Katsina, a key northern state, despite his retreat from active politics. Adesina’s visit, devoid of explicit 2027 election motives, reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to the AfDB’s mission, as 70% of its projects target youth and women.