(USA)
The President of the African Development Bank has been crowned 2017 World Food Prize Laureate at a ceremony in America.
Nigeria’s Dr Akinwumi Adesina picks up the quarter of a million dollar top prize – awarded by the World Food Prize Foundation – for his pioneering work in advancing African agriculture for 25 years.
“The selection of President Akinwumi Adesina as the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate reflects both his breakthrough achievements as Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria and his critical role in the development of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). It also gives further impetus to his profound vision for enhancing nutrition, uplifting smallholder farmers, and inspiring the next generation of Africans as they confront the challenges of the 21st century,” said Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, President of the World Food Prize Foundation.
Dr Adesina studied at Purdue University in the 1980s and his alma matter is proud to see him win what is often labelled the Nobel Prize for food and agriculture.
Purdue President Mitch Daniels said: “Purdue’s researchers and alumni have helped feed the planet by making significant contributions in science-based agriculture and food science, and there is no calling that is both more noble and necessary. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina continues that tradition, and we join in congratulating him and celebrating this recognition of his achievements.”
