A former Director of News at the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Smolette Adetoyese Shittu-Alamu, has publicly defended Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), following criticism from the Presidency over his recent comments on Nigeria’s socio-economic decline since independence.
Dr. Adesina, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2011 to 2015 and has been at the helm of the AfDB since 2015, had recently stated that Nigerians today are worse off than they were at the time of independence in 1960. His statement has since drawn condemnation from presidential aides, particularly Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Mr. Onanuga had dismissed Adesina’s observations as inaccurate and politically motivated, alleging that the AfDB President relied on “figures that do not align with available data.” He further accused Adesina of speaking “like a politician in the mould of Peter Obi,” and insisted that Nigeria has made “considerable progress” since independence.
In a detailed rejoinder made available to journalists in Osogbo, Mr. Shittu-Alamu described the presidency’s response as “unfounded, disrespectful, and intellectually weak,” asserting that Dr. Adesina’s record, reputation, and depth of knowledge make him well-qualified to comment on the Nigerian economy and living conditions.
“This is not just any public official; Dr. Adesina is a globally celebrated technocrat who rose from humble beginnings to become a First Class graduate in Agricultural Economics, a Rockefeller Foundation fellow, and the only Nigerian to have led the African Development Bank for two consecutive terms,” he stated.
Mr. Shittu-Alamu recalled Adesina’s transformative tenure as Agriculture Minister, during which he introduced the Electronic Wallet system, eliminated decades-long fertilizer racketeering, and attracted over $5.6 billion in private sector investments into Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“To accuse such a man of lacking diligence or data is not only absurd but disrespectful to the truth,” he said.
Responding to claims that Nigeria’s GDP has increased over the decades, Shittu-Alamu argued that economic growth figures do not capture the daily hardships Nigerians face.
“GDP per capita does not account for inequality, access to health care, quality education, or infrastructure. In 1960, with a population of 45 million, our basic services were functional. Today, with over 220 million citizens, our schools are overcrowded, hospitals are underfunded, and millions of young graduates remain unemployed.”
The veteran broadcaster also pointed to widespread insecurity, hunger, and the mass exodus of young Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad as indicators of systemic failure.
“We have more roads and schools today, yes, but the population has grown fivefold. Can our infrastructure support that growth? The answer is clearly no. Services are stretched, insecurity is widespread, and many Nigerians feel abandoned by their leaders.”
He advised presidential aides to adopt a more ethical and informed approach when responding to critical viewpoints from respected professionals.
“Public communication should be guided by truth, humility, and ethical responsibility. Dr. Adesina did not attack the government; he simply told the truth about the living conditions in Nigeria today. Rather than dismiss him, the Presidency should reflect on the issues he raised.”
Mr. Shittu-Alamu concluded his statement by reaffirming his support for Dr. Adesina’s assessment and urging Nigerian leaders to focus on measurable improvements in citizens’ quality of life.