Forbes names Akinwumi Adesina African of the Year

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has been named Forbes African of the Year for his reforms in the country’s farming sector.

A report by Reuters quoted Forbes Africa’s Editor, Mr. Chris Bishop, as saying, “He is a man on a mission to help Africa feed itself.”

Adesina was chosen ahead of some of Africa’s most prominent businesspeople: Aliko Dangote and Jim Ovia, also from Nigeria; South Africa’s Patrice Motsepe; and Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa.
The report notes that although the country is one of the world’s biggest oil exporters, most Nigerians live in poverty, especially in the rural areas.

Bishop said he hoped the award would “encourage the rest of the continent to grow more of its own food.”