Nigerian-born Adewale ‘Wally’ Adeyemo has broken the racial barrier to become the first black Deputy Secretary of Treasury of the United States.
Adeyemo’s appointment was made official by the US Senate on Thursday, according to reports.
Dubbed ‘Wally, the 39-year-old who served in the administration of former President Barrack Obama as deputy national security adviser (NSA) for international economics was nominated by President Joe Biden last December.
New York Times described the Nigerian as a “stalwart veteran of the Obama administration who would bring centre-left economic ideas, deep experience and diversity to Biden’s top ranks.”
Reacting to his confirmation, Janet Yellen, treasury secretary, described Adeyemo as “a master of shuttle economic diplomacy who would help meld US economic and national security interests”.
“Wally is everything the Treasury Department needs right now: He has spent his career working at the intersection of America’s national security interests and our economic ones.
“In the process, he’s become a master of shuttle economic diplomacy, helping keep America’s economy strong at home and competitive abroad.
“Those values – and that managerial experience – will be a tremendous asset to Treasury now as we continue implementing the American Rescue Plan.”
Born in Nigeria, Adeyemo emigrated with his parents to the United States when he was a baby and settled in Southern California outside Los Angeles. His father was a teacher, his mother a nurse. Adeyemo, 39, and his younger brother and sister grew up sharing a room in a two-bedroom apartment, according to NYT.
