Kanayo Nwanze, former President of IFAD is dead

Kanayo Nwanze, a former president of  International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and an ex- DG of Africa Rice has passed away.

His death was announced by IFAD through a statement

“It is with deep sadness that we have learned that former IFAD President, visionary leader and passionate advocate for rural people, Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze has died,” the statement read.

Nwanze was the president of IFAD from 2009- 2017 where he  dedicated his life to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.

He was awarded the inaugural Africa Food Prize in September 2016 for his leadership of IFAD and his advocacy of Africa’s smallholder farmers, food security and poverty alleviation.

After leaving IFAD, he continued in his mission by serving as the FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador on Zero Hunger for Africa and on the Boards of AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), the CGIAR System Management Board and as Chairman of the Facility for Youth Development (FAYODE).

Nwanze will be remembered for his fight against poverty and hunger.

Mourning his demise, Akinwumi Adesina, the president of African Development Bank(AFDB) in a tribute described him as a brother, friend and mentor.

“I deeply mourn the passing of Dr Kanayo Nwanze. He was a great African leader, African Food prize laureate, former president of IFAD and DG Africa Rice. I have lost a dear big brother, mentor and a friend. My wife and I sorely miss you Uncle K,RIP”