Akinwumi Adesina, Minister Of Agriculture And Rural Development Emerge Forbes Africa's Person Of The Year 2013

 

Nigerian Minister of Agriculture Mr. Akinwumi Adesina has emerged Forbes Africa Person Of The Year 2013 beating 5 others  including business mogul and Africa’s richest man, Dangote to clinch the award.

Akinwumi was nominated for his vision in making Nigeria a self-sustaining, food-producing nation, which hopes to register over 20 million farmers by 2015. 
 

 

 

The shortlisted names were; Jim Ovia, Chairman of the Zenith Bank Group;  Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; South African mining magnate, Patrice Motsepe, Zimbabwean, Strive Masiyiwa, who is the founder of global telecoms group, Econet Wireless; and Mr. Akinwumi Adesina

Last year, the award was won by James Mwangi, the CEO of Equity Bank, Kenya.

Adesina’s initiatives have empowered more than six million farmers across Nigeria to embrace agriculture as a business.

He has been described as a passionate defender of African farmers, relentless in unlocking opportunities for farmers and changing Africa’s narrative on agriculture to wealth creation, away from poverty reduction.

“I am truly honoured and humbled by this prestigious award, which I dedicate to Africa’s farmers and the new cadre of young business entrepreneurs who have discovered the hidden gem for sustainable wealth creation on our continent – Agriculture,” Adesina said reciving the award.

The Nigerian minister had made commendable impact in the Agriculture sector within two years of his taking office.