President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday received Nigerian scholar and sustainability expert, Professor Ademola Adenle, following his emergence as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious World Academy of Sciences – M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
President Tinubu congratulated Professor Adenle for the global recognition, praising his contributions to agricultural innovation, biosciences, renewable energy, and public health. The President described the scholar’s achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global scientific research and innovation.
“Your dedication to sustainable development and improving the lives of vulnerable communities brings honour to our nation,” President Tinubu said as he received the award certificate presented to Professor Adenle.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari (CON), attended the meeting.
Professor Adenle made history earlier this year as the first-ever recipient of the award, which was presented by India’s Prime Minister during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi. The honour — widely referred to as a “mini Nobel Peace Prize” in agricultural sciences — commemorates the legacy of the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, celebrated globally as the architect of India’s Green Revolution.
Currently serving as Senior Special Adviser on Agricultural Innovation at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Professor Adenle was recognised for his work advancing food security, climate justice, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
During his visit to the State House, Professor Adenle announced plans to launch a Women in Biosciences Initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding entrepreneurship opportunities, and fostering innovation in rural communities. The initiative will also target malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and energy poverty by promoting renewable energy solutions—particularly solar power. Implementation will be carried out in collaboration with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, extending Swaminathan’s legacy across Africa and Asia.
The M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace honours individuals from developing countries whose work has significantly advanced sustainable agriculture, food security, and peacebuilding.
Speaking at the international award ceremony, India’s Prime Minister praised Professor Adenle as “a beacon of hope” for his commitment to solving some of humanity’s most critical challenges.
