By Olaitan Ibrahim
Outgoing President of African Development Bank, AfDB, Akinwunmi Adesina, has asked for forgiveness from those he may have offended in word or deed, through acts of commission or omission in the course of discharging his duty.
The AfDB president spoke at the ongoing Bank’s Annual Meetings 2025 at Abidjan.
“No person is perfect or infallible. I have given my very best and made my own mistakes, all with good intentions.
“If in the course of my passionate and relentless drive to accelerate the agenda for Africa, I have offended some in word or deed, through acts of commission or omission, please know that it was never personal. Where applicable, I ask for your forgiveness,’’ Adesina said.
He expressed appreciation to members of his staff, for their dedication, hard work, diligence, commitment and dependability.
“From literally sleepless nights on missions, at global events, on project and country visits, you put up countless times with working with me, often through the nights and sometimes into the early hours of the morning. You showed remarkable resilience.
“My apologies for denying you sleep, You, my staff, are the ones I will miss the most. You are simply amazing. You worked extremely hard, and you delivered big for Africa. Thank you for your selfless and loyal support.