Page 10 - Governing Congo Basin Forests in a Changing Climate • Olufunso Somorin

who sometimes carry me on their shoulders to appreciate the journey ahead. Within the African Development Bank (ADB), I have many of these special people to thank. To my bosses and mentors: VP Zondo Sakala, Prof Anthony Nyong, Dr Baboucarr Sarr, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu and Valerie Dabady-Liverani. I have learnt so much from you. I am extremely grateful for your support.
Friends, they say are like jewels. I have many of them in ADB. To Sonia Dah, a special friend and a sister, thank you for pushing me really hard to finish this PhD. Thank you for the listening ears of an adorable sister. You always had wise words to say to me. Dearest Uzoamaka Nwamarah, thank you for your beautiful heart of love and support. I hope this book can challenge you to step into a similar journey. I am now reporting to the base! To my sisters and friends, Mariam Yinusa and Hassanatu Mansaray, thank you for your friendship. To my brothers-in-arm, Nkoanyane Sebutsoe, Ndoli Kalumiya, Pointer Chinyerere, Succes Masra, Jean- Guy Afrika, the future is ours! To Dolly Afun-Ogidan, Margaret Monyeh and many others, you are very much appreciated for your words of encouragement. To my two special intern-friends at the Nairobi office, Edward Njuguna and Salome Kimani, you two are indeed ADB angels. The future is yours.
On many occasions during this journey I felt like giving up. That is why I am grateful for the encouragements of special people like Drs. Johnson Nkem, Monica Idinoba, Amos, Gyau, Tasila Banda, Femi Oluwadare and Patience Mayaki. I am grateful for the prayers of people like Pastors Damola Odutola, Kayode Olukayode and Sesan Banjo. My words are not enough to express the depth of my gratitude to Mr and Mrs. Amole, Mayowa Amole, Nambwenga Kauseni, Nuru Alimi, Akinyemi Akinyugha and Damilola Olusanya for your love and care.
Some friends are like brothers. Fred Ayifli and Opeyemi Sanwoolu, you two are more than special. I feel honoured that you have both here today to share this special moment with me. Fred, thank you for being my paranymph; I wish you all the best as you finish your own PhD in this great institution. Ope, the dreams we had some 15 years ago are coming to realities.
To my dear mother, this is a moment of joy for you. You have sacrificed so much for me; you put your own dreams on hold for me to achieve mine. This is the beginning of many good things to come. Please don’t call me Dr. Funso. I still remain your boy.
VIII