Akinwumi Adesina mourns Kanayo Nwanze

By Lucy Ogalue

Abuja, Feb. 22, 2025

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Dr Kanayo Nwanze.

In a statement on Saturday, Adesina described the late Nwanze as an intellectual giant and a transformative leader in global agricultural development.

Adesina mourned the loss of his mentor and friend, recalling Nwanze’s unwavering commitment to food security and agricultural research, particularly in Africa.

“Africa has lost one of its brightest thought leaders.

“Nwanze was an intellectual giant, a scientist of global renown, who was at the forefront of tackling global food security issues, especially in Africa,” he said.

Sharing fond memories of their close relationship, Adesina recounted how Nwanze mentored him early in his career at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India.

He also recalled their competitive tennis matches, highlighting Nwanze’s spirited and determined nature both on and off the court.

“Uncle K, as I endearingly called you, you left us too soon. You still had so much to contribute, especially as the world grapples with food security in the face of climate change.

“My wife, Yemisi, and I pray that God will comfort your dear wife, children, grandchildren, and family, and may your soul rest in peace,” Adesina said.

Nwanze held several leadership roles in international agricultural research, including as Director-General of the Africa Rice Centre, where he pioneered initiatives that impacted millions of farmers.

He later became the first African President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), spearheading reforms that strengthened smallholder farmers’ access to technology, infrastructure, and finance.

A passionate advocate for agricultural research and development, Nwanze played a key role in the reforms of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), ensuring a stronger focus on Africa.

He also chaired the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), championing regional agricultural research.

In recognition of his work, Nwanze was awarded the Africa Food Prize, which he used to support youth engagement in agriculture.