Akinwumi Adesina condoles with Mrs Margaret Shonekan

The President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina and his wife Yemisi, have paid a condolence visit to Mrs Margaret Shonekan, the widow of the former Head of the Nigerian Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Dr. Adesina described the late Chief Shonekan as an illustrious Nigerian and son of Ogun State, who selflessly and with exceptional courage took on the mantle of leadership at a time of great national turbulence and uncertainty.

According to Adesina, "Chief Shonekan straddled the worlds of business, governance, community development, and philanthropy with excellence. His immense contributions to and sacrifices for Nigeria will ensure that his memory remains evergreen in the history of Nigeria."

Chief Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan was a Nigerian lawyer and statesman who served as the interim Head of State of Nigeria from 26th August, 1993 to 17th November, 1993. He died on 11 January 2022, at the age of 85.

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group writes in the Book of Condolence in honour of the late Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Recounting his memories of Chief Shonekan, Adesina said he was a great man with a big heart who believed in and remained committed to the unity of Nigeria. He was always thoughtful, gracious, full of wisdom, with every word sculpted to shape a better pathway for the country.

Wishing Mrs Shonekan well, he prayed that God would grant her grace, strength, and fortitude to bear the immense loss.

Dr Adesina was accompanied by his Special Advisor on Industrialisation, Prof Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Lamin Barrow, Director General of the Nigeria Office of the African Development Bank, NJ and Mr. Olajide Oyewusi, Manager, Cabinet Office of the AfDB President.