First of all, let me say how grateful I am of the confidence that you, the Member States of IFAD represented here today, have placed in me by electing me President of IFAD for the next four years. I am particularly honoured that this support comes from across all three Lists of the membership. The unique partnership between OPEC countries, developing countries and the OECD countries that IFAD represents is a fundamental strength that we together should continue to reinforce over the coming years. Let me also thank the other candidates for their commitments to IFAD and for participating in an open and transparent election process.

Being chosen to work for rural poor people by heading the United Nations agency that is dedicated to improving their lives is both an honour and a challenge. I would like to echo the words of the United Nations Secretary General in his message today, in which he described this organization as a crucial ally of the world’s smallholder farmers. I would like to see IFAD grow to be an ever-stronger ally for poor rural people. We will continue to consolidate and deepen the change and reform process over the next few years with a strong focus on human resource management. This will require bold actions to achieve the results you expect and I count upon your support during this process.

Within the HR focus, one of my priorities will be to ensure that the staff of IFAD, whose dedication and commitment is a key asset for the Fund, are able to give their best especially in these challenging times. Achieving concrete results and impact on the ground with our projects and programmes, with our partners, will continue to be at the core of IFAD. With enhanced country presence and direct supervision we will continue to reinforce our quality agenda. Our strength as an ally comes also from our close collaboration with our sister agencies, the FAO and the World Food Programme here in Rome, with the entire United Nations system and with the Bretton Woods institutions. The international system can only meet the challenges of food security if we work together. IFAD will continue to be an active partner in the global endeavour and I hope we can count always on your support.

To Lennart, a wonderful person, a warm personal thank you for bringing this institution to where it is today. Under your leadership, IFAD’s programme of work almost doubled. We substantially increased the quality of our projects and programmes while implementing a comprehensive and a deep reform programme. You leave a legacy at IFAD and beyond that will not be forgotten. It has been an honour, a pleasure and an excitement working with you on the team. I wish you and your family every success in your future endeavours but I must add, you leave me with a mighty challenge.

I would like to extend my deepest thanks to my country, Nigeria, for its faith in me and its support, and to all the Member States of IFAD across all Lists, with whom I have worked in various capacities and who have particularly supported me in this election. I look forward to enhancing our collaboration. And, of course, my greatest thanks and appreciation go to my wife, Juliana.

Finally, to the close to one billion people who go to bed hungry every night, you are the reason why we, IFAD, you the Members, the owners of IFAD, and us your stewards to whom you have entrusted the management of this Fund, this is why we exist. Our challenge will be to make agriculture the central focus of governments to reduce poverty and hunger, and achieve the Millennium Development goals. With your support, and together, I am sure we shall succeed. Thank you very much.

Rome, 18 February 2009